Boston, MA, January 27, 2026
The Beanpot hockey tournament showcases Boston’s rich collegiate sports culture. It highlights local rivalries and community spirit, evolving into a celebrated tradition in college ice hockey.
Boston, MA
Boston’s Enduring Hockey Tradition: A Look at the 2026 Beanpot Tournament
The annual Beanpot hockey tournament stands as a vibrant testament to Boston’s rich collegiate sports culture, a showcase of local talent and fervent community spirit. This year, the 2026 Beanpot, encompassing both men’s and women’s competitions, once again captivated the city, highlighting the enduring value of local rivalries and the power of civic engagement to foster exceptional athletic events. The tournament, which has roots stretching back to a humble beginning as a post-holiday filler, has evolved into one of the winter season’s most anticipated gatherings, demonstrating how individual initiative and community support can elevate a local competition to a cherished tradition.
The Beanpot’s journey from a nascent event to a premier collegiate hockey spectacle underscores Boston’s commitment to cultivating athletic excellence and community bonds. What started as a modest attempt to generate interest during a quieter sports period has, through years of dedicated participation from its constituent universities and the enthusiastic backing of local fans, become a cornerstone of the city’s identity. This evolution exemplifies how local leadership and private partnerships, such as the multi-year title sponsorship by Dunkin’, are instrumental in not only sustaining but also significantly enhancing such beloved traditions, ensuring their continued growth and impact on the community.
The Storied History of the Beanpot
The Beanpot tournament, both for men and women, is an annual college ice hockey event featuring four major programs from the Greater Boston area: the Boston University Terriers, Boston College Eagles, Harvard University Crimson, and Northeastern University Huskies. The competition began in 1952 as the New England Invitational Hockey Tournament, originally held at the Boston Arena, now known as Matthews Arena. Over the decades, the tournament outgrew its initial venue, moving to the Boston Garden in 1954, and since 1996, all games have been played at TD Garden. This progression reflects Boston’s deep-seated passion for hockey and the community’s consistent support for its collegiate athletes. The tournament was informally named the “Beanpot” by The Boston Globe, a nod to Boston’s historical association with baked beans.
Dunkin’ Partnership Elevates the Tournament
In a significant development that underscores the power of private sector collaboration in fostering local events, Dunkin’ became the first-ever title sponsor for the Beanpot tournament. This multi-year sponsorship commenced in January 2023 for the men’s tournament and extended to the women’s championship in 2024. This partnership has allowed for increased promotion and visibility across various platforms, including within TD Garden, through New England Sports Network (NESN) broadcasts, and via the participating colleges. Such collaborations demonstrate how private initiative can significantly boost the prestige and reach of community events, ensuring their vibrancy for years to come.
The 2026 Men’s Beanpot: An Anticipated Clash
The 73rd Annual Dunkin’ Men’s Beanpot Tournament is set to deliver thrilling collegiate hockey action this February. The semifinals are scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at TD Garden. The first matchup will see Harvard facing Boston College at 5:00 PM, followed by Northeastern taking on Boston University at 8:00 PM.
The tournament will culminate with the championship and third-place games on Monday, February 9, 2026, also at TD Garden. The third-place game will commence at 4:30 PM, leading into the highly anticipated championship game at 7:30 PM. The Boston University Terriers, having claimed the 2025 title, will be looking to defend their championship. Boston University currently holds the record for the most men’s Beanpot championships, with 32 titles as of 2025. This event continues to be a highlight of the local sports calendar, drawing large crowds and fostering spirited competition for Boston’s hockey bragging rights.
The 2026 Women’s Beanpot: A Championship Won
The 47th Annual Dunkin’ Women’s Beanpot Tournament has already concluded, showcasing intense competition and individual achievement. The women’s semifinals were hosted at Walter Brown Arena on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The championship and third-place games took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at TD Garden, marking the third consecutive year the championship was held at this prestigious venue.
In a dramatic final, Harvard University secured their 16th Women’s Beanpot title by defeating Boston University 2-1 in overtime. The decisive goal came from a penalty shot by Harvard’s Carla McSweeney. Harvard’s goaltender, Ainsley Tuffy, was recognized for her outstanding individual achievement, earning the Bertagna Award as the tournament’s top goaltender and Women’s Beanpot MVP honors after recording 46 saves in the championship game. The third-place game saw Boston College face Northeastern.
Community Impact and Talent Showcase
Beyond the thrilling contests on the ice, the Beanpot tournament plays a significant role in Boston’s community engagement. It fosters longstanding traditions, with fans, alumni, and students gathering for pre-game festivities and post-game celebrations. This collective enthusiasm for local collegiate sports cultivates a sense of shared identity and pride across neighborhoods and institutions. Moreover, the tournament serves as a crucial platform for scouting future talent, with many Beanpot MVPs going on to successful professional careers, demonstrating the high caliber of individual achievement showcased during these events. The accessibility of watching players who are only a few years older than high school athletes compete in a professional arena also holds significant inspirational value for aspiring young hockey players in the region.
Boston’s Beanpot tournament is more than just a series of hockey games; it’s a testament to the power of community, competition, and sustained local interest. As the city looks forward to future tournaments, the continued support of fans, the dedication of the participating institutions, and the backing of private partners will ensure that this cherished tradition continues to thrive, inspiring personal initiative and fostering civic pride for generations to come.
Engage with Boston’s vibrant sports scene! We encourage all residents to support local events like the Beanpot, not only to witness incredible athletic feats but also to contribute to the unique community spirit that defines our city. Stay connected with HEREBoston.com for more insights into how local choices and leadership are shaping our community’s growth.
FAQ: 2026 Beanpot Hockey Tournament
- What is the Beanpot tournament?
- The Beanpot tournament is an annual men’s and women’s college ice hockey event in Boston, MA, featuring the four major programs from the Greater Boston area: the Boston University Terriers, Boston College Eagles, Harvard University Crimson, and Northeastern University Huskies.
- When is the 2026 Men’s Beanpot tournament?
- The 73rd Annual Dunkin’ Men’s Beanpot Tournament semifinals are on Monday, February 2, 2026, at TD Garden, and the championship and third-place games are on Monday, February 9, 2026, at TD Garden.
- Which teams participate in the Beanpot tournament?
- The four major college hockey programs that participate are the Boston University Terriers, Boston College Eagles, Harvard University Crimson, and Northeastern University Huskies.
- Who won the 2026 Women’s Beanpot tournament?
- Harvard University won the 16th Women’s Beanpot title in program history by defeating Boston University 2-1 in overtime in the 47th Annual Dunkin’ Women’s Beanpot championship game.
- Where are the Beanpot games played?
- Most Beanpot games are played at TD Garden, with some women’s semifinals hosted at Walter Brown Arena.
- Who is the title sponsor of the Beanpot tournament?
- Dunkin’ is the title sponsor for both the men’s and women’s Beanpot tournaments.
Key Features of the 2026 Beanpot Hockey Tournament
| Feature | Men’s Tournament (73rd Annual) | Women’s Tournament (47th Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Participating Teams | Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, Northeastern | Boston College, Boston University, Harvard, Northeastern |
| Semifinals Date | Monday, February 2, 2026 | Tuesday, January 13, 2026 |
| Semifinals Venue | TD Garden | Walter Brown Arena |
| Championship/3rd Place Date | Monday, February 9, 2026 | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 |
| Championship/3rd Place Venue | TD Garden | TD Garden |
| 2026 Champion | To be determined (Boston University is defending 2025 champion) | Harvard University |
| Title Sponsor | Dunkin’ | Dunkin’ |
| Television Coverage | New England Sports Network (NESN) | New England Sports Network (NESN) |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
