College hockey's signature opening weekend event -- the Ice Breaker Tournament -- which is scheduled to be hosted by the University of Minnesota Duluth will be postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19. The Ice Breaker Tournament was slated for Oct. 9 - 10, 2020 at AMSOIL Arena.

"Given the latest input and guidance from the University, local and state officials as well as public health experts, we have decided at this time it is not possible to host the 2020 Ice Breaker Tournament in a successful manner and have postponed the event to October of 2021," said Josh Berlo, UMD athletic director. 

Added Berlo, "Ultimately, the health and well-being of the participants, staff, coaches, campus and community led us to this decision. We hope this postponement puts UMD, Amsoil Arena and Duluth in the best position to safely host the Ice Breaker Tournament in 2021 that will include an exceptional experience for the teams, a safe and fun atmosphere for the fans of Bulldog Country and beyond as well as significant economic impact for our community."

College Hockey Inc., Executive Director, Mike Snee expressed his support of the postponement: "The entire Minnesota Duluth athletics department and many organizations in the community have worked very hard to ensure the 2020 Ice Breaker was going to be a wonderful experience for the participating student athletes and college hockey fans in the Duluth area. Although it was nobody's first choice, we completely understand and fully support Minnesota Duluth's difficult decision to postpone the 2020 Ice Breaker to the 2021-22 season."

The event's title sponsor, Visit Duluth's President, Anna Tanski added: "We are tremendously grateful to UMD for securing this high caliber event, albeit postponed to 2021.  Visit Duluth is looking forward to welcoming the teams and thousands of fans back to Duluth next year.  The economic stimulus, media attention and overall excitement that the Ice Breaker generates will benefit our entire community as it did back in 2017."

The tentative dates are October 15th and 16th, 2021.  

Providence College and Minnesota State University, Mankato have confirmed their ability to remain in the postponed event.  The University of Minnesota has indicated they will not be participating.

All UMD Bulldog season ticket holders who have purchased tickets directly through the UMD Ticket Office will have the postponement credit automatically applied to the 2021 Icebreaker Tournament as part of the 2021-22 season ticket package or may request a refund.  Details will be communicated directly to season ticket holders from the UMD Ticket Office.

"We can't thank all our partners enough for their support of the Bulldogs for the return of the Ice Breaker to Duluth and AMSOIL Arena," said Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing and Corporate Relations Brian Nystrom. "We look forward to making the 2021 tournament a great experience for everyone involved.  This event would not be possible without the strong support of Essentia Health, Visit Duluth, the Sheraton Duluth, the Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown Duluth, Grandma's Saloon & Grill and the Duluth News Tribune." 

Other Schedule Changes for 2020-21

In addition, the men's hockey program has postponed their October trip to UMass Lowell and is instead scheduled to travel to Marquette, Michigan to take on Northern Michigan University.  The Bulldog women's hockey program has postponed their early season trip to Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Ice Breaker History

UMD has competed in three previous Ice Breaker Tournaments – in 2003 in East Lansing, Mich., in 2014 in South Bend, Ind., and in 2017 at AMSOIL Arena. 

Since its inception in 1997, the Ice Breaker has been held at an array of on- and off-campus sites, including high-end venues such as the Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul), Scottrade Center (St. Louis) and Kohl Center (Madison, Wis.). The opening round of 2017 Ice Breaker Tournament (hosted by UMD) drew the sixth largest crowd in AMSOIL Arena history as 7,203 spectators watched the Bulldogs take down Minnesota in a 4-3 overtime thriller. Michigan Tech went on to win the 2017 Ice Breaker championship.

Future dates and times will be released at a later date. For information please follow umdbulldogs.com and College Hockey Inc..

Ice Breaker Tournament History