Belfast plays its part as Boston University secures 2026 Friendship Series Title
Belfast hosted four ice hockey teams as Boston University were crowned champions of the 2026 Friendship Series after defeating Harvard University 3-2 at The SSE Arena.
The Friendship Series is the first and only NCAA Division One women’s ice hockey tournament to be held outside of the United States.
Both finalists were joined alongside University of Minnesota-Duluth and Quinnipiac.
The event is an extension of the Friendship Four tournament, which was devised by The Odyssey Trust in 2015, and has been developed year on year to promote education, social welfare, and community integration in Northern Ireland, building on the Sister City agreement between Belfast and Boston.
The 2026 Friendship Series represented a significant step forward for the tournament, with four women’s teams taking part for the first time, expanding the format beyond the traditional two-team series, reflecting the continued development of the women’s game on a global stage.
Alongside the on-ice action, the four teams experienced Belfast and Northern Ireland during their stays. Players and staff visited a number of the region’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, including the Giants Causeway and Titanic Museum, as well as watched the Belfast Giants’ Elite League clash against the Glasgow Clan on Tuesday, December 30 as part of the trip.
Paul McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust, said: “The Friendship Series has always been about creating meaningful experiences for student-athletes, and this year’s expanded format allowed even more players to be part of that journey. Bringing four teams together in Belfast reinforces the purpose of the tournament and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting opportunities for women in sport.”
Meanwhile, Martin McDowell, Chair of The Odyssey Trust, commented: “What makes the Friendship Series distinctive is the unique balance between competition and connection. Expanding the tournament while staying true to its original values is a real achievement, and we’re proud to continue hosting an event that places student-athletes and shared experience at its heart.”
Having celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025, the men’s Friendship Four returns to The SSE Arena in 2026, with the University of Connecticut, Providence College, the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and Colgate University going head-to-head for the Belpot Trophy at the home of the Belfast Giants.