University of PEI to host on Halloween weekend in Charlottetown
Field Hockey Canada, in partnership with U SPORTS, is excited to announce the 2025 University Championship will be hosted at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) from October 30 to November 2, 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of the new, extended format, which debuted in 2024 in Ontario at York University.
Last year’s event saw the University of Victoria Vikes claim the national title after a round-robin tournament featuring four teams from across the country. The tournament format includes one team from the Canada West, Ontario University Athletics (OUA), and Atlantic University Field Hockey League, plus the host university. This format ensures representation from across the country competing for the national title.
York, Waterloo, UPEI and UVIC do battle at the 2024 University Championships in Toronto. Photos/Yan Huckendubler
The 2025 edition continues Field Hockey Canada’s hosting plan, aimed at building a sustainable and inclusive national championship. UPEI’s selection as host highlights the growth of hockey in the Atlantic region and reinforces the commitment to long-term development across all university conferences.
The last time the university championships was hosted in Atlantic Canada was in 2002, when the event was hosted in Halifax. The tournament was also hosted in Halifax in 1991 and 1976.
Jane Vessey, Director of Athletics and Recreation, said hosting the national championship is a milestone moment for the UPEI program.
“This event is a testament to the growth of field hockey at UPEI and in our province,” said Vessey. “It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the talent of our student-athletes while welcoming the nation to our campus. We couldn’t be prouder.”
U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer, Matthew Davies said bringing the championship to UPEI aligns perfectly with U SPORTS partnership goals.
“It is exciting to see the University Field Hockey Championship heading to PEI for the first time,” said Davies. “A key objective of this partnership is to have our partners grow their sport at the university level, and we are seeing that in 2025 as the championship heads to UPEI, an institution that has recently hosted four very successful U SPORTS Championships. We know that the Field Hockey Canada and UPEI will do an amazing job welcoming the best university field hockey teams to Atlantic Canada for the first time in more than two decades.”
Susan Ahrens, CEO of Field Hockey Canada, said that last year’s event was a huge success in the national championship portfolio and is excited for the growth and momentum this year in Charlottetown.
“When we first sat down with U SPORTS and other leaders from universities across the country, it was clear that Field Hockey Canada leading the university nationals presented an unparalleled opportunity to support growth of our game from coast to coast to coast,” Ahrens said. “This is an inclusive approach to deliver a true national championship event for the best hockey athletes and schools across Canada. In bringing the new, expanded National Championships to Prince Edward Island, we see this in action.”
Fans can follow the journey to the championship starting in early September, as teams play for qualification throughout the regular season in all regions. Ahrens continued, thanking the community, staff and volunteers for their commitment to growing hockey nationwide.
“This is the tournament’s first time back in the Atlantic provinces in over 20 years at a time when all Atlantic schools and provinces are engaged, growing and thriving. Thanks for UPEI for hosting, to all schools for competing and to our own Hailey Yhap for leading our LOC in delivery of this event. Good luck to all teams!”
Stay tuned for updates on qualifying teams, schedules, and streaming details as the season unfolds.
