Elmira, NY - Elmira College's Men's and Women's Ice Hockey teams will make the LECOM Event Center their new home beginning with the 2027-2028 season.  

"This partnership with the LECOM Event Center is another example of the momentum building at Elmira College and our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for our students," said Dr. John F. Dolan, Elmira College President. "Moving our hockey programs downtown gives our student-athletes a new stage on which to compete, while making it easier for our entire campus community to come together and celebrate EC athletics. It also strengthens our connection with the greater Elmira community, extending the College's presence downtown and creating new opportunities for engagement and collaboration."

"We're excited to welcome Elmira College's men's and women's hockey programs to the LECOM Event Center," said Marc Stemerman, owner of the LECOM Event Center. "The College has a rich tradition in collegiate hockey, and we're proud to be part of its next chapter. This partnership brings the excitement of Soaring Eagles hockey downtown and creates new opportunities for the community to come together, support local student-athletes, and connect with the College. We look forward to welcoming Soaring Eagles fans beginning in 2027-2028."

The move offers distinct advantages for the EC student-athletes and fans, including the LECOM Event Center's proximity to the EC campus, increased seating capacity, and a professional and exciting environment for games. Currently, ice hockey team members drive about 20 miles round trip to reach practices and games. The new location substantially reduces that travel time–the walk is 10 minutes–while making games more accessible to students and the campus community.

The LECOM Event Center is working closely with the College to ensure the facility meets NCAA requirements, not just for hockey, but potentially other sports as well. The College hosted the NCAA Women's Wrestling Regional at the LECOM Event Center in February 2026. The partnership expands the potential to bring more teams and visitors to Elmira, supporting economic development in the downtown and surrounding areas.

"The LECOM Event Center is more than just closer for our students," said Rhonda Faunce, Director of Athletics and Physical Education. "The improved facility amenities and professional elements like the Jumbo-screen, sound system, and increased number of seats create a higher-energy atmosphere felt by our coaches, players, and fans. It also opens the door for Elmira College to host more championship and conference games - potentially beyond hockey - right here in Elmira."

"The college experience extends well beyond the classroom, and athletics plays an important role in creating a strong sense of connection and school spirit," said Dennis Kelly, Vice President of Enrollment Management. "Having our hockey teams play at the LECOM Event Center gives prospective student-athletes an exciting new venue while making games more accessible to our entire student body. It's another way we're enhancing the Elmira College experience and creating opportunities for students to become more engaged with the College."

Elmira College continues to build momentum, welcoming record-breaking incoming classes for the past three years.

"Moving the Ice Hockey programs to the LECOM Event Center is another step forward, supporting our growing campus and downtown area," shared George Winner, chair of the Elmira College Board of Trustees. "I want to thank the Board of Trustee members who collaborated with Marc Stemerman and his team to make this move possible. Tom Tranter '76, Marty Fennell, Bill Beecher '92, Clare van den Blink MSEd '96, and Jeff Streeter brought tremendous vision and commitment to this partnership, recognizing the impact it will have on Elmira students and the greater Elmira region."

The Soaring Eagles hockey teams will complete their 2026-2027 season at the Murray Athletic Center. The College will commemorate the final ice hockey season at the MAC with special activities during Athletic Alumni Weekend, January 15-16, 2027.

The College has created a webpage to help keep the EC and greater Elmira community informed as the transition to the LECOM Event Center progresses.

For the latest and most up-to-date information on Elmira College Athletics, please visit athletics.elmira.edu. Follow us on Twitter - @ECSoaringEagles, Instagram - @ecsoaringeagles, YouTube - @ECSoaringEagles, and Facebook by searching Elmira College Athletics.