Jon Ledecky Named Honorary Captain of LIU Hockey

Ledecky addressed hundreds of students in Brookville, discussing his career trajectory and business philosophy in a session moderated by ESPN personality and LIU alumnus Alan Hahn. The event highlighted the deepening ties between the university and the Islanders, a relationship formalized earlier this year to bolster the growth of hockey across the New York metropolitan area. Following the talk, captains from the men’s and women’s Division I teams presented Ledecky with a personalized jersey, officially bestowing the honorary title for the 2026–27 season.

LIU President Kimberly R. Cline emphasized that the collaboration provides students with direct access to industry leaders while solidifying the university's footprint in collegiate athletics. This partnership extends to the upcoming Empire State Holiday Invitational, an annual tournament at UBS Arena where LIU will serve as the host institution. With the university maintaining dedicated facilities at the team's practice site, Northwell Health Ice Center, coaches Brendan Riley and Kelly Nash noted that the visibility of the Islanders’ ownership on campus reinforces a shared commitment to developing the sport at the highest level.