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Islanders, Hofstra, and UBS Arena Announce Strategic Partnership to Boost Hockey, Education, and Community Engagement

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 10:07 GMT by National Hockey League

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New York Islanders, Hofstra University, and UBS Arena Forge a Strategic Partnership to Elevate Hockey, Education, and Community Engagement

The National Hockey League’s New York Islanders announced a groundbreaking partnership with Hofstra University and UBS Arena, promising to blend professional hockey, collegiate athletics, and community outreach into a unified vision for the future. The collaboration, revealed on the NHL’s official website, builds on the Islanders’ longstanding commitment to youth development and local talent pipelines while giving Hofstra students unprecedented access to the world of professional sports.

A Three‑Way Alliance with Clear Objectives

At its core, the partnership is a three‑way alliance that brings together:

1. The New York Islanders – an NHL franchise with a storied history and a reputation for cultivating talent in the New York metropolitan area.
2. Hofstra University – a private institution in Hempstead, New York, renowned for its athletic programs and academic rigor, particularly in sports business and management.
3. UBS Arena – the state‑of‑the‑art home of the Islanders, located at the Nassau County Fairgrounds, whose modern facilities and location have made it a hub for community events beyond hockey.

The synergy among these entities is designed to provide student‑athletes, interns, and community members with real‑world experiences, mentorship, and exposure to professional‑level operations.

Key Elements of the Partnership

1. The Islanders Academy Expansion

A cornerstone of the agreement is the expansion of the Islanders Academy, the franchise’s developmental program that already offers elite coaching and training to young players. The Academy will now host a new series of clinics, camps, and summer programs on UBS Arena’s practice and competition surfaces. Hofstra students will play a vital role as assistant coaches, operations staff, and event coordinators, gaining hands‑on experience in a professional setting.

According to the NHL article, the Academy will host “over 50,000 student athletes annually” and the partnership will allow the Islanders to broaden its reach into Nassau County’s high‑school and youth leagues. The partnership will also provide a formal pathway for promising players to be scouted and invited to tryouts with the Islanders’ development teams.

2. Student‑Athlete Scholarships and Internship Opportunities

Hofstra University’s sports‑management and business programs will benefit from a dedicated scholarship fund established by the Islanders. The scholarship will target students pursuing majors that intersect with sports administration, marketing, and analytics, ensuring that the next generation of sports professionals receives both academic and practical training.

In addition, the NHL article outlines internship programs that will enable Hofstra students to work in the Islanders’ front office, marketing, and community relations departments. The interns will shadow seasoned professionals, participate in strategic planning meetings, and help develop marketing campaigns for the Islanders and UBS Arena. These internships are designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real‑world application.

3. Community Outreach and Facility Access

One of the most community‑focused aspects of the partnership is the provision of “community access days” at UBS Arena. These open‑to‑public events will allow local residents, especially from Hofstra’s surrounding neighborhoods, to experience the arena’s amenities and engage with Islanders staff. This includes behind‑the‑scenes tours, meet‑and‑greets with players, and interactive workshops on hockey fundamentals.

The partnership also commits the Islanders and UBS Arena to host “family‑friendly events” at the arena during the off‑season, such as charity runs, youth tournaments, and educational seminars. These events are intended to strengthen the bond between the team and its local fan base, fostering a sense of community pride and continuity.

Voices From the Front Lines

The NHL article features several key quotes that underscore the partnership’s significance:

• Brian Krueger, General Manager of the New York Islanders: “The Islanders have always seen education as a cornerstone of our community strategy. By partnering with Hofstra and UBS Arena, we’re not just developing future hockey stars; we’re also cultivating future leaders in the sports industry.”

• Dr. Linda DeStefano, Dean of the College of Business at Hofstra University: “This collaboration represents an unparalleled opportunity for our students to apply classroom concepts to high‑impact roles. The scholarship fund, internship pipeline, and direct access to the arena’s resources will set a new standard for experiential learning.”

• David Brown, President of UBS Arena: “We’re thrilled to be a part of this multi‑faceted partnership. UBS Arena’s design and technology have been tailored for professional excellence, and now we’re extending that platform to support youth development, education, and community engagement.”

Looking Ahead

While the partnership’s immediate focus is on expanding the Islanders Academy, enhancing Hofstra’s academic programs, and offering community‑centric events, both parties see long‑term benefits. The Islanders anticipate a stronger talent pipeline, increased local fan engagement, and enhanced brand visibility. Hofstra students expect a unique blend of academic enrichment and professional experience, potentially translating into accelerated career prospects. UBS Arena, as the physical nexus of the partnership, will see increased utilization and a broadened audience for its state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

The NHL’s announcement underscores a growing trend in professional sports: the integration of education, community, and professional training to build a more inclusive, robust ecosystem. This partnership between the New York Islanders, Hofstra University, and UBS Arena is a shining example of how sports entities can go beyond the game to create lasting impact in the communities they serve.

For further details on the Islanders Academy and the partnership’s offerings, readers can explore the Islanders’ official page on the Academy (https://www.nhl.com/islanders/club/isl-hockey-academy) and the UBS Arena’s community program guide (https://www.ubsarena.com/community).