Saint Mary’s University to host the U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championship at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax
U SPORTS and host Saint Mary’s University (SMU) are pleased to announce that ticket packages for the 2026 University Cup are now on sale. The event at Scotiabank Centre will run from March 19 to 22, 2026. The University Cup championship will be hosted in Nova Scotia for the fourth time, dating back to 2015.
Tickets for the championship can be purchased here or at the Scotiabank Centre box office.
The eight (8) game, single-elimination championship features the host SMU Huskies and two other Atlantic University Sport (AUS) teams competing against five other universities from across the country for the right to hoist the David Johnston University Cup.
The 2026 edition of the “U Cup” will look to beat the previous U SPORTS men’s hockey championship attendance record of 43,513 fans, set at the Scotiabank Centre in 2015.
Scott Gray, SMU Director of Athletics & Recreation notes, “The U CUP is one of the most prestigious events on the U SPORTS calendar and we are thrilled to bring it to Halifax. We are proud to be part of the Sport Tourism economy that is stimulating the city and province, while continuing the record-breaking history of Halifax serving as the host for these championships”.
U SPORTS CEO Pierre Arsenault also underscores the region’s passion for university sport. “Fans in Halifax and across Nova Scotia have always supported U SPORTS championships, and we know that with three AUS teams participating in this season’s event, there is a good chance that a new attendance record can be set in 2026!”
The championship opens on Thursday, March 19 at 1 pm with the second game of the day at 7 pm.
Halifax Mayor Andy Filmore said, “We are delighted U SPORTS continues to choose Halifax as its host City for major championships, with 2026 marking the 4th time in U SPORTS history that our City has served as host of the University Cup Men’s Hockey Championship.”
“Hosting major events like the University Cup helps grow Nova Scotia’s reputation as a top destination for sport and tourism,” said Dave Ritcey, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. “They bring energy to our communities, support local businesses, and leave a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the ice”.
The host committee and U SPORTS also announced on Thursday the two Honourary Co-Chairs for the 2026 University Cup. Rachelle Warner will serve as Co-Chair in memory of her husband Bob Warner, a SMU Huskies men’s hockey legend, alongside former All-Star defenseman Mike Kelly. Kelly, who joined the Huskies in 1981, is the highest-ranked NHL draft pick to ever play at Saint Mary’s University.