North Dakota Men's Hockey to Compete in 2027 Friendship Four in Belfast

The University of North Dakota (UND) men's hockey team has been selected to participate in the 2027 Friendship Four tournament, scheduled for November 26-27, 2027, at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This annual event, which began in 2015, is the first and only NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament held outside North America. The tournament aims to promote education, social welfare, and community interaction, building on the Sister Cities agreement between Belfast and Boston.

Maine men's hockey to return to Northern Ireland for 2028 Friendship FourMen’s hockey to play in 2027 Friendship Four in BelfastUniversity of Connecticut AthleticsProvidence College AthleticsNorth Dakota selected to play in 2027 Friendship Four in BelfastQuinnipiac University AthleticsGrand Forks Herald

The 2027 edition of the Friendship Four will feature four teams: the University of North Dakota, Quinnipiac University, the University of Wisconsin, and Northeastern University. This marks a significant moment for UND, as it will be their first regular-season games outside the United States since January 7, 2012, when they faced Clarkson in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Additionally, it is the first time the Fighting Hawks will play overseas since the 1982-83 season when they participated in the Spengler Cup in Switzerland.

Grand Forks Herald

The Friendship Four has become a flagship event in Northern Ireland's sporting calendar, drawing attention to collegiate hockey while fostering cultural exchange. The tournament not only showcases high-level hockey but also aims to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Northern Ireland through sports. UND athletic director Bill Chaves emphasized the cultural experience this trip will provide for the student-athletes, stating, "Sports are a great unifier, and I'm excited that our student-athletes are going to experience that."

Grand Forks Herald

Head coach Dane Jackson expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, noting, "We're pretty fired up... It will be a true test for our North Dakota fans." The event is expected to attract a significant following, with hopes that many fans will travel to support the team in Belfast. The Odyssey Trust, which organizes the tournament, highlighted the importance of the Friendship Four in promoting international collaboration and community engagement.

Grand Forks Herald

While the tournament has generally been well-received, some critics have raised concerns about the logistics and costs associated with international travel for college teams. These concerns often focus on the financial burden placed on student-athletes and their families, as well as the potential impact on the regular season schedule.

Men’s hockey to play in 2027 Friendship Four in Belfast

As the 2027 Friendship Four approaches, further details regarding match schedules and ticket information will be announced. The tournament is expected to continue its tradition of bringing together top NCAA teams, fostering a competitive spirit while enhancing cultural ties between the participating institutions and Belfast.

Providence College Athletics

• "We're really excited about having an opportunity as a university to provide our athletes with a forever experience." — Mike Hastings, Head Coach, University of Wisconsin

Men’s hockey to play in 2027 Friendship Four in Belfast

• "It will be an awesome life experience to go over and see what it's all about there." — Dane Jackson, Head Coach, University of North Dakota

Grand Forks Herald

• "Reaching the 10-year anniversary of the Friendship Four is a remarkable achievement and a celebration of everything the tournament has come to represent." — Steve Thornton, Sports Director, The Odyssey Trust

University of Connecticut Athletics