Michigan Tech is hosting the 2023 Great Lakes Invitational at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids on December 28 – 29. GLI mainstay Michigan State will join the Huskies along with Ferris State and Alaska as the teams compete for the MacInnes Cup in a two-day, single-elimination tournament. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 22 at 10AM at VanAndelArena.com.
The 57th GLI starts with a doubleheader matchup on Thursday, December 28 between Michigan Tech and Alaska at 3:30PM, followed by Michigan State against Ferris State at 7PM. The winners of those contests will advance to the GLI Championship game on Friday, December 29 at 7PM, while the puck drops on the third-place game at 3:30PM on the same day.
The Great Lakes Invitational was first played in 1965 after the idea for the tournament was conceived and implemented by Michigan Tech coach John MacInnes, Olympia Stadium General Manager Lincoln Cavalieri, and Detroit Red Wings Scout Jack Paterson. The tournament has been played at Olympia Stadium (1965-78), Joe Louis Arena (1979–2012, 2014–16), Comerica Park (2013), and Little Caesars Arena (2018-19). COVID-19 canceled the 2020 GLI and teams played a non-tournament showcase-style event in 2021. The 2022 edition was the first at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.
Michigan Tech has won the GLI 11 times in 56 tournaments. Michigan State has 12 GLI titles in 48 tournaments. Ferris State will be making its fourth appearance at the tournament and Alaska is making its debut.
About ASM Global:
Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place and DeVos Performance Hall are managed by ASM Global. ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. asmglobal.com.
####