The Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off: College Hockey’s Winter Showcase
The Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off has established itself as a premier event on the college hockey calendar, bringing top-tier programs to the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee. This annual tournament offers a high-stakes environment where elite teams compete for a championship in one of the sport’s most magnificent venues.
2025 Tournament Results and Highlights
The 2025 Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off featured a competitive field, including defending national champions and top-ranked programs. The tournament took place from December 28 to 29, 2025.
The Path to the Championship
The action began on Sunday, December 28, with a semifinal doubleheader. Wisconsin faced off against Lake Superior State, even as the defending national champions, Western Michigan, squared off against Boston College.
Western Michigan secured their place in the final by defeating Boston College. In the championship game on Monday, December 29, #7 Western Michigan defeated #2 Wisconsin to claim the 2025 Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off title. In the third-place game, #13 Boston College defeated Lake Superior State with a score of 4-3.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Event
- Champion: #7 Western Michigan
- Runner-up: #2 Wisconsin
- Third Place: #13 Boston College
- Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Tournament History and Legacy
First played in 2021, the tournament has a history of showcasing dominant performances from top programs. Wisconsin has been a recurring force in the event, having won the championship in 2021 and 2024. Their 2024 victory was marked by a dominant 8-0 semifinal win over Ferris State and a 4-3 championship victory against UConn.
The tournament’s past champions include:
- 2025: Western Michigan
- 2024: Wisconsin
- 2023: Wisconsin
- 2022: Clarkson
- 2021: Wisconsin
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
The excitement for the tournament continues as officials have already announced the dates for the next iteration. The 2026 Holiday Face-Off is scheduled for December 29-30, 2026, returning once again to the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off held?
The tournament is hosted at the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Who are the most successful teams in the tournament’s history?
Wisconsin has been the most successful program in the event’s history, winning the title in 2021, 2023 and 2024.
How can fans access tickets?
Tickets for the event are typically made available through Ticketmaster.com, offering both single-day and two-day packages.