Tech hockey to compete in Coachella Valley Cactus Cup

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – Acrisure Arena, home to the American Hockey League's (AHL) Coachella Valley Firebirds, an affiliate of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Seattle Kraken, is proud to announce the hosting of the 1st Annual Coachella Valley Cactus Cup 2025, showcasing exciting NCAA Division I Men's Hockey series. Featuring participating teams including The University of Massachusetts Lowell, known as the River Hawks, Michigan Technological University, the Huskies, College of the Holy Cross, the Crusaders, and the University of Nebraska Omaha, the Mavericks, this inaugural matchup, college hockey fans can experience the excitement of seeing these teams face off on the ice in the iconic greater Palm Springs area. 

The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 3, with Holy Cross taking on Omaha at 3:30 p.m. and Michigan Tech playing UMass Lowell at 7 p.m. PT. The action continues Saturday, January 4, with two more games starting at the same times. The losers of both Friday matches will compete at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the winners will face off at 7 p.m. on Saturday. 

John Page, senior vice president of Acrisure Arena and Coachella Valley Firebirds commented, "We are thrilled to host the inaugural Coachella Valley Cactus Cup 2025 at Acrisure Arena. This tournament will feature some of the nation's most exciting NCAA Division I Men's Hockey teams, providing fans with an unparalleled experience of high-stakes hockey action. The matchups are set to be intense, showcasing the competitive spirit of college hockey at its finest. We can't wait to see these teams compete and showcase their talent on our ice."

"We are truly excited to offer our fans an opportunity to attend the Cactus Cup tournament in Palm Springs, California," said Norm Bazin head coach of UMass Lowell. We have teams from four different conferences so it should be hockey for all involved. I know these non-conference games will give River Hawk Nation more to be excited about with the upcoming 2024-25 season."

Mike Gabinet, head coach of the Mavericks continued, "We are very excited to be playing in Palm Springs, California for this tournament. Having seen the success and enthusiasm of the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL, I know this will be one of the best destinations to watch NCAA hockey. Looking forward to sharing this experience with our athletes and fans."

"We are excited to be headed to the Cactus Cup next winter in Palm Springs, CA," said Holy Cross head coach, Bill Riga. "It will be a great opportunity to compete against 3 great college hockey programs in an unconventional setting that will allow us help to spread the Holy Cross hockey brand and the overall college hockey product all the way to the West Coast. Should be a great weekend and we are looking forward to it."

Joe Shawhan, head coach of Michigan Tech stated, "Michigan Tech is excited to travel west for the Cactus Cup. It's a great opportunity for our team to play high-quality non-conference opponents, and we have a large alumni base in the area who are looking forward to watching the Huskies in their backyard."

PRESALE: Presales will be open to the respective teams, students, and alumni from Tuesday, April 16, from 10:00 a.m. to Thursday, April 18, at 10:00 p.m. All other fans can participate in the presale from Thursday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

TICKETS: Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, April 19, at 10:00 a.m. PT at ticketmaster.com, the official ticketing provider of Acrisure Arena. Tickets for the COACHELLA VALLEY CACTUS CUP 2025 provide access to both games scheduled for each day, allowing fans to enjoy a full day of exciting NCAA Division I Men's Hockey action with just one ticket. Purchase tickets for Friday, January 3, HERE; Saturday, January 4, HERE; and a 2-Day Pass, HERE. 

Additionally, Acrisure Arena invites fans to experience an exclusive limited-capacity backyard playground just steps away from the action on stage. Fans can upgrade their ticket with a Flight Pass for $27.50 to gain access to The Compound, a dedicated outdoor VIP premium space. The Compound includes cozy fire pits with couches for lounging, 9-hole mini golf, bocce ball, half-court basketball pickle ball court, and more. Learn More HERE and then purchase for Friday, January 3, HERE, and Saturday, January 4, HERE. 

For more information about the COACHELLA VALLEY CACTUS CUP 2025 at Acrisure Arena, visit acrisurearena.com or follow @HockeyCactusCup and Acrisure Arena on social media for updates.

About Acrisure Arena
America's hottest music festival destination finally has the world-class arena it deserves. Opened December 14, 2022, the Acrisure Arena provides the greater Palm Springs area of Southern California with a premiere 11,000+ capacity venue to host the biggest artists and acts on the planet. Designed specifically for hockey and concerts, the new arena provides top-tier hospitality, artist amenities, and all of the benefits of a modern music and sports venue. In addition, the facility will serve as the new home of the American Hockey League affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, the Coachella Valley Firebirds. 

The Acrisure Arena is a $300+ million project that is being 100% privately funded through outstanding partners Oak View Group, Seattle Kraken, and Live Nation. Learn more at AcrisureArena.com and follow Acrisure Arena on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About Michigan Tech
Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries. Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Michigan Tech sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Associate (CCHA), while 11 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).

About Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts — the second-largest city in New England — is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition. Holy Cross is one of a select group of colleges that meets 100% of each admitted student's demonstrated financial need. Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society since its founding in 1843 by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life. Holy Cross boasts 27 NCAA Division I teams as members of the Patriot League, Atlantic Hockey Association, and the Women's Hockey East Association. Holy Cross' athletic teams are tied for sixth in the nation with an overall graduation rate of 98 percent, the 17th consecutive year at 97 percent or higher. 

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha Athletics 
Omaha Athletics advances the University of Nebraska at Omaha mission by fostering a positive holistic development and competitive experience for Maverick student-athletes while striving to enhance the profile of the institution through intercollegiate athletics.

Guiding Principles
· Provide an exceptional educational experience for Maverick student-athletes.
· Foster an environment for Maverick student-athletes to holistically develop.
· Serve as a productive partner to the UNO campus and local community.
· Position Maverick student-athletes and coaches for competitive success.

About UMass Lowell
Massachusetts' top public university, UMass Lowell is a national research university in the heart of a Gateway city. The university offers its students bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepares graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. UMass Lowell sponsors 14 Division I athletic programs. The ice hockey program competes in the prestigious Hockey East Conference, while the remaining 13 athletic teams compete in the America East Conference. www.uml.edu