MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO. — Lindenwood University will host the inaugural United Collegiate Hockey Cup from March 5-7 at the Centene Community Ice Center, marking a milestone event for independent NCAA Division I men’s hockey programs.
The five-team tournament field was finalized this week, with seeding determined by the National Power Index. University of Alaska Fairbanks secured the No. 1 seed with a final NPI ranking of 36.
The Nanooks finished the regular season 14-15-2, highlighted by wins over nationally ranked Quinnipiac and Michigan Tech. Alaska Fairbanks posted a 9-2-1 record against United Collegiate Hockey Cup participants and claimed the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup after winning six of eight games against in-state rival University of Alaska Anchorage.
Host Lindenwood University enters as the No. 2 seed with a final NPI ranking of 39 after setting a program record with 14 wins in a 14-14-0 campaign. The Lions earned a signature victory over then-No. 5 Denver in October and went 6-4-0 against independent competition.
No. 3 seed Long Island University finished the regular season with an NPI ranking of 44 and a 12-17-1 overall record. The Sharks went 6-6-0 against the UCHC field and earned a notable 6-2 win over Big Ten opponent Minnesota in November.
Stonehill College claimed the No. 4 seed after posting a 10-21-2 record, including a 6-6-0 mark against independent opponents. The Skyhawks closed the regular season strong, going 5-3-0 in February with a split against Lindenwood and three wins over LIU. Stonehill also recorded a 3-3 shootout win over No. 12 UConn earlier in the season.
Alaska Anchorage rounds out the field as the No. 5 seed. The Seawolves finished 5-25-1 overall and 3-12-1 against UCHC participants but picked up a 4-3 victory over ranked Denver in late October.
The tournament opens Thursday at 3 p.m. with Stonehill facing Alaska Anchorage in a play-in game. Lindenwood will take on LIU at 7 p.m. The winner of the opening contest advances to face top-seeded Alaska Fairbanks in Friday’s 3 p.m. semifinal. All teams are guaranteed at least two games across the three-day event, culminating in Saturday night’s championship matchup at 7 p.m.
All six games will be streamed exclusively on FloHockey. General admission tickets start at $20 for adults and $10 for children and are available through Lindenwood’s athletics website.
Lindenwood Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer said the tournament provides a significant platform for independent programs.
“We are thrilled to bring this tournament to the St. Louis market,” Coomer said. “This event not only provides a competitive platform for our student-athletes but also showcases the growth and quality of independent NCAA hockey programs on a national stage.”
Alaska Fairbanks Director of Athletics Brock Anundson called the event “a meaningful postseason opportunity” that demonstrates the strength of independent programs within the NCAA landscape.
Coaches echoed that sentiment.
“The creation of the United Collegiate Hockey Cup is a milestone for independent hockey programs,” Alaska Anchorage coach Matt Shasby said. “Our players now have the chance to compete for a championship that recognizes their hard work, talent and commitment to the game.”
Lindenwood coach Keith Fisher said the St. Louis hockey community will embrace the inaugural event.
“Our players are so excited to play for a championship at the end of the season,” Fisher said. “This is a big step for college hockey and the five independent schools.”
The event, held in Maryland Heights in St. Louis County is expected to draw college hockey fans, NHL scouts and media attention, providing increased visibility for independent Division I programs seeking a championship-stage experience.
