NY Islanders practice facility to undergo massive upgrades courtesy of LIU

When the NY Islanders moved from Iceworks in Syosset to Northwell Health Ice Center at Eisenhower Park, the move was a massive upgrade for the organization, considering the money ownership poured into the facility to make it on par with the rest of league. 

When LIU Post and LIU Brooklyn merged in 2019, the LIU Sharks were born, making Northwell Health Ice Center the home of the Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs since 2021. Today, the school announced a $3M campaign to further establish a Division I atmosphere within the arena.

The upgrades will include a four-sided jumbotron, new seating, lights and sound upgrades, and a focus on the in-game experience. 

"We have seen tremendous growth and interest in our programs,” Elliot Charles, LIU’s Director of Athletics, said. “This campaign will harness that momentum and propel LIU Hockey into its next chapter, creating a premier Division I atmosphere at the Northwell Health Ice Center."

The Men’s program at LIU, despite being one of the newest D-I members, has taken great steps towards building a reputation within the collegiate hockey space. Playing a road-heavy schedule this season, the Sharks are currently 12-17-1, but have pushed the likes of Penn State, a potential Frozen Four candidate, to the brink only to fall in OT, and defeated perennial powerhouse Minnesota on the road.

"We have built something special at LIU, and Northwell Health Ice Center has been a huge part of that since the beginning,” Head Coach Brendan Riley said. “These enhancements will elevate the atmosphere, strengthen home ice advantage, and deliver the kind of game day our players and fans deserve."

While LIU has been drawing more fans to home games, upgrades to the arena should help in seeing a spike in attendance and excitement around the program.