Los Alamos to host Nuclear Shootout college hockey tournament

Los Alamos County, in partnership with the University of New Mexico and the Los Alamos Hockey Association, will stage the three-day Nuclear Shootout college hockey tournament at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink Jan. 16–18. Four NCAA programs are slated to participate: UCLA, the University of New Mexico (UNM), Cal State Northridge (CSUN / North Ridge), and Michigan State University (MSU). The tournament will bring competitive college hockey to a community rink that doubles as a local recreation hub and venue for youth hockey.

Organizers outlined broad daily windows for play: Friday evening roughly 5:30–10:00 p.m., Saturday from about noon into evening roughly until 9:30 p.m., and Sunday featuring morning matchups. A detailed game-by-game schedule and ticketing information will be released by the County’s Ice Rink and tournament organizers as they finalize match times and admissions. For direct information, contact the Los Alamos County Recreation Division at lacrec@losalamosnm.gov or 505-662-4500, or inquire at the Ice Rink box office.

The event represents a coordinated effort between municipal government and university partners to use local public assets for a regional sporting event. For county operations, hosting multiple collegiate teams across three days will require allocation of staff, rink time, security and facility services. Those operational decisions affect municipal schedules and the availability of public ice time for regular users, including youth and adult leagues. Residents who use the Ice Rink regularly should watch for schedule updates so they can plan around tournament play.

Local business and civic stakeholders are likely to feel the immediate effects: increased foot traffic downtown, hotel and short-term rental demand, and a fuller calendar for restaurants and retail. For coaches, players and local hockey families, the tournament provides exposure to higher-level collegiate play and a chance to see potential role models in person. The Los Alamos Hockey Association’s involvement signals an emphasis on community integration rather than an outside-only event.

From a civic standpoint, the tournament underscores the County’s role in convening institutional partners to boost local activity and visibility. Residents can expect concentrated activity at the Ice Rink and surrounding public spaces during the tournament hours. Plan ahead for parking near the rink, altered public programming at the facility during the event, and possible congestion during peak game times.

Our two cents? Mark Jan. 16–18 on your calendar if you want to catch college hockey close to home, and check with the Recreation Division or Ice Rink box office for the full schedule and tickets as soon as they post them.