Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective hosts inaugural international tournament

The event brings players from Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico to compete on Kentucky ice for the first time.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:54pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a hockey game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the ice.An international tournament brings together hockey players from around the world to grow the sport on Kentucky ice.Lexington Today

The Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective is hosting its inaugural international tournament this weekend, welcoming players from Mexico, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico to compete on Bluegrass ice. The collective has traveled internationally for the past three years to teach the sport, and now these international players are getting the chance to experience a full-size rink and high-level competition in Kentucky.

Why it matters

The tournament aims to grow the sport of ice hockey globally by providing access and opportunities for players from countries where the sport is less established. The Kentucky collective has built strong relationships with these international communities through their outreach efforts, and this event represents an important milestone in their mission to spread the game worldwide.

The details

The tournament features players like 20-year-old Josue Rojas Vega from Costa Rica, who said this is his first time playing on a full-size rink and competing against such talented players. The Kentucky collective has previously traveled to Costa Rica to help grow the sport there, introducing it to both adults and children. All funds raised from the tournament will go towards purchasing equipment and supporting international hockey players.

  • The Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective's inaugural international tournament is taking place this weekend (April 19-21, 2026).
  • Over the past three years, the collective has traveled internationally to teach the sport of ice hockey.

The players

Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective

A group that has traveled internationally for the past three years to teach the sport of ice hockey and grow the game globally.

Josue Rojas Vega

A 20-year-old hockey player from Costa Rica who is participating in the Kentucky tournament, calling it a 'life-changing' experience to play on a full-size rink and against such talented players.

Eric Williams

A player with the Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective who has helped build strong relationships with the international communities the group has worked with over the years.

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What they’re saying

“For me this is a new experience because I've never been in a full size rink. So this is my first time there. Playing with guys with so much talent it's an amazing experience.”

— Josue Rojas Vega, Hockey player from Costa Rica

“Through the years meeting all of our friends through the international tournaments that we participated in and getting to bring them here is really special to me.”

— Eric Williams, Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective player

“Playing hockey in Costa Rica when the Kentucky guys came in was like a really good experience because this opportunity makes me like play with guys that really do play real hockey.”

— Josue Rojas Vega, Hockey player from Costa Rica

What’s next

The Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective plans to continue its international outreach efforts, using the funds raised from this tournament to purchase more equipment and support the growth of hockey in underserved communities around the world.

The takeaway

This inaugural international tournament hosted by the Kentucky Ice Hockey Collective represents an important milestone in the group's mission to spread the sport of ice hockey globally. By providing access and opportunities for players from countries where hockey is less established, the collective is helping to grow the game worldwide and build lasting connections between communities.