Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan set to compete in inaugural ‘Ice Vegas Invitational’

By @MichaelCaples –

The Huskies and the Wildcats are going to Vegas.

In January 2018, Michigan Tech and Northern Michigan will take place in the inaugural ‘Ice Vegas Invitational’ tournament in the newest NHL city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Boston College and Arizona State will join the two Michigan programs at T-Mobile Arena, home of the Las Vegas Golden Knights, for the four-team tournament on Jan. 5-6, 2018.

“Las Vegas is quickly transforming from a purely entertainment mecca to one of the world’s destination locations for sports as well,” said Brooks Downing, president of bd Global (www.bdglobalsports.com). “We are excited to partner with T-Mobile Arena to bring the best teams in college hockey to Las Vegas each year as the new era of hockey in the Valley begins this fall.”

“We are honored to participate in the inaugural Ice Vegas Invitational,” said new Northern Michigan coach Grant Potulny in the release. “We look forward to bringing Northern Michigan hockey to Las Vegas and are excited for the opportunity to play at the state-of-the-art T-Mobile Arena. With the Wildcats, Arizona State, Boston College and Michigan Tech in the field, this tournament will give Las Vegas and the surrounding areas an exciting look at college hockey.”

The Golden Knights begin play as a new NHL franchise this fall, aiding in hockey’s exposure on the west coast.

“We’re excited to be in this tournament. I know our players, fans, and alumni are really looking forward to it,” said Michigan Tech AD Suzanne Sanregret. “It’s great to be able to help grow college hockey out west with tournaments like this. We were fortunate to play in the Arizona State tournament a couple years ago and our alumni really came out to support the Huskies. I think we’ll have another good turnout in Las Vegas, and we’re excited to bring Michigan Tech Hockey to our alumni and fans in the West.”