BIDDEFORD, Maine -- A new tradition is coming to Maine hockey this winter with the Inaugural Lobster Pot Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, which is set for January 2-3 at the Family Ice Center in Falmouth.

The two-day event will bring together all four of the state's Division III men's ice hockey programs -- the University of New England, Bowdoin College, Colby College, and the University of Southern Maine. Tournament play begins on Friday, January 2, with the No.7 Nor'easters squaring off against Colby at 3:30 p.m., followed by No.13 Bowdoin versus USM at 7:00 p.m. The showcase continues on Saturday, January 3, with the consolation game at 2:00 p.m. and the championship at 5:30 p.m.

UNE's game versus Colby on Friday, as well as the Bowdoin/Southern Maine contest are sold out; no tickets will be available at the door. A limited number of tickets may be available for Saturday's games (at some point late Friday night). Details and ticket purchasing links will be made available at that time, should tickets become available.

In addition to the two ranked squads, Colby is receiving votes in the latest USCHO.com national poll, and this season will be the first time that all four programs turn the calendar with winning records.

Prior to the first game of the weekend, a youth clinic will run from 2-3 p.m. at Casco Bay Arena, which is adjacent to the Family Ice Center.