USA HOCKEY WARRIOR CLASSIC COMES TO UTICA

 

Utica, NY – The 2026 USA Hockey Long Drink Warrior Classic returns to Utica for the second straight year this coming weekend. The event is set to be held from September 24-27 at the Utica University Nexus Center in downtown Utica. 

The Warrior Classic occurs annually and brings together Warrior teams from around the country to participate in a weekend of hockey dedicated to disabled U.S. military veterans. All players must be veterans and/or a member of the Armed Forces and qualify under the USA Hockey Warrior eligibility requirements to participate in the tournament. 

Last year's bracket featured seven tiers and 31 total teams. The Colorado Warriors of the Elite Division were named the 2025 USA Hockey Long Drink Warrior Classic champions while the Philadelphia Flyers Warrior Elite team was named runner-up.

The 2026 Warrior Classic will feature four tiers and 20 total teams. The format is a round‑robin opening for all teams in each tier, followed by single‑elimination playoffs to determine division champions. During the preliminary rounds, each team will be awarded three (3) points for a win in regulation, two (2) points for a win in overtime or shootout, one (1) point for a loss in overtime or shootout, and zero (0) points for a loss in regulation.

The Utica University Nexus Center features three rinks, 12 state-of-the-art pro locker rooms, ample seating, premium suites, convenient parking, multiple dining options on site, and a plethora of hotels and restaurants nearby, providing an ideal venue for players and families to have a memorable experience.

USA Hockey TV will stream all games live and on demand at www.usahockeytv.com (National Championship only). For questions, please reach out to Bill Duffy, National Warrior Representative, at duffy0638@yahoo.com or Katie Holmgren, at disabledhockey@usahockey.org.

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