LAKE PLACID, NY – The ECAC Hockey Women’s Championship is moving to the iconic Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, New York, starting with the 2025-26 season, the league announced today. The top four teams in ECAC Hockey will compete for the championship title in the arena, famed as the site of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” Olympic hockey game.
The inaugural championship weekend is scheduled for March 6-7, 2026, with semifinal matchups on Friday, March 6, culminating in the championship final on Saturday, March 7. The tournament winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
“Lake Placid is a special place in the hockey community, and we are thrilled to bring the ECAC Hockey Women’s Championship to this historic venue,” said ECAC Hockey Commissioner Doug Christiansen. “This move will provide an unforgettable championship atmosphere for our student-athletes and fans,while building on the league’s tradition of excellence.”
The move to Lake Placid underscores the league’s commitment to showcasing its women’s programs in a premier location. Herb Brooks Arena, operated by the New york State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), is internationally recognized as a landmark in hockey history.
“We’re excited to partner with ECAC Hockey and welcome its women’s championship to Lake Placid, the home of ECAC Hockey,” said Chadd Cassidy, Vice President of Legacy Venue Operations for ORDA.”Herb Brooks Arena is the moast iconic rink in the world and we look forward to creating a memorable experience for players, coaches, and fans.”
ECAC Hockey is a leading Division I hockey conference, comprised of 12 women’s and 12 men’s programs, known for its competitive success and development of elite student-athletes.
Tickets for the 2026 championship will become available later this year. Further details regarding the schedule, lodging options, and fan activities will be released at a future date.
more details can be found at https://lakeplacidolympiccenter.com/event/ecac-womens-hockey-championship/.
