ECAC Women’s Hockey Championship Weekend Heads to Lake Placid in Landmark Shift
LAKE PLACID, NY - The ECAC Hockey League announced today that its Women’s and Men’s Championship Weekends will move from conventional campus sites to the Olympic Centre in Lake Placid, New York, begining with the 2025-2026 season. The move marks a significant change for the conference, aiming to elevate the championship experience and capitalize on the storied hockey history of the iconic venue.
The decision to relocate the championships stems from a desire to create a neutral,high-profile environment for the ECAC’s culminating events. Lake Placid, famously the host of the “Miracle on Ice” during the 1980 Winter Olympics, offers a unique atmosphere and enhanced logistical capabilities. This shift could also influence team strategies during the regular season, perhaps leading programs to prioritize a top-four finish to secure an opening-round bye rather than solely focusing on regular-season wins.
Cornell University’s women’s hockey team is slated to open its 2025-2026 season on October 17th against Boston College at Lynah Rink, while the men’s team will begin their campaign on the road against the University of massachusetts on October 31st. Both teams will ultimately compete for a chance to reach the championship weekend in Lake placid, with the women’s tournament scheduled for March 6th and 7th, followed by the men’s tournament two weeks later.
The Olympic center has a long-standing connection to hockey, having previously hosted numerous men’s and women’s national championships. The ECAC’s decision to bring its championship weekend to Lake Placid underscores the league’s commitment to showcasing its programs on a national stage and honoring the sport’s rich heritage.
