The Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) is a four-team National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's ice hockey tournament held annually at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, around the New Year's holiday. It was previously held in Detroit as part of College Hockey in the D.

The tournament was born out of a conversation between the general manager of Olympia Stadium, Lincoln Cavalieri, Michigan Tech's long-time coach, John MacInnes, and Detroit Red Wings scout Jack Paterson. The three men were discussing the lack of American-born players in the National Hockey League (NHL) and concluded that a prestigious collegiate tournament could make a difference by promoting interest in hockey among young athletes, as well as the general public. Jack Tompkins, American Airlines vice president, former University of Michigan goalie, and a member of the Detroit Red Wings organization, championed their vision as well, and together in 1965, they founded the Great Lakes Invitational hockey tournament.

The GLI has grown into one of the premier college and holiday sporting events in the country, originating at Detroit's Olympia Stadium. Michigan Tech, the host for the tournament since its inception, added Michigan as a co-host in 1976. The tournament moved into Joe Louis Arena when the Red Wings' new home arena opened in December 1979. In 2017, with the closure of the Joe, the GLI relocated to the new Little Caesars Arena until the 2020–21 season.

Michigan State is traditionally selected as a third participant while the fourth is a different team each season. Northern Michigan was scheduled to be the 2020-21 invitee, but the tournament was cancelled.

The 2013 edition of the invitational was held outdoors at Comerica Park, as part of festivities for the 2014 NHL Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. Western Michigan defeated Michigan Tech 1–0 in overtime. The outdoor games were originally scheduled for 2012. However, due to the NHL lockout, the Winter Classic and all associated festivities were postponed to 2013–14.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Great Lakes Invitational was not held in 2020, marking the first year the tournament has not been played since its inception. In 2021, instead of the usual "tournament" format, there was a "showcase" scheduled with four set games (UM-MTU, MSU-WMU, UM-WMU, and MSU-MTU). On December 27, 2021, Michigan cited player health concerns and backed out of the December 30 game against Western Michigan, COVID-19 was not cited as a reason. However, Michigan played their first scheduled game of the tournament vs. Michigan Tech on December 29.

On June 8, 2022, the tournament field for the 2022 tournament was announced. Ferris State, Michigan State, Michigan Tech, and Western Michigan competed at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. This marks the first year Michigan has not played since 1973.

Future GLIs to be held in Grand Rapids include Michigan Tech and Michigan State each year as host schools. 2026 features Western Michigan and Lindenwood and 2027 features Ferris State and Penn State.

Yearly results Season Champion Runner-up Third place Fourth place Jack Tompkins Trophy (MVP) 2025 Charlie Stramel, MSU 2024 Luca Di Pasquo, MSU 2023 Jack Works, MTU 2022 Jason Polin, WMU2021Played as a showcase, no tournament standings. 2020 Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic 2019 Logan Pietila, MTU 2018 Diego Cuglietta, LSSU 2017 Lukas Craggs, BGSU 2016 Colt Conrad, WMU 2015 Kyle Connor, UM 2014 Steve Racine, UM 2013 Lukas Hafner, WMU 2012 Pheonix Copley, MTU 2011 Kevin Clare, UM 2010 Luke Glendening, UM 2009 Brett Perlini, MSU 2008 Louie Caporusso, UM 2007 Billy Sauer, UM 2006 Bryan Lerg, MSU 2005 Joey Crabb, CC 2004 Jim Slater, MSU 2003 Joe Pearce, BC 2002 Sean Fields, BU 2001 Tim Skarperud, UND 2000 Ryan Miller, MSU 1999 Shawn Horcoff, MSU 1998 Mike Gresl, MSU 1997 Mike Weaver, MSU 1996 Brendan Morrison, UM 1995 Brendan Morrison, UM 1994 Brendan Morrison, UM 1993 David Oliver, UM 1992 Cam Stewart, UM 1991 Steve Shields, UM 1990 Steve Shields, UM 1989 Scott Sharples, UM 1988 Todd Brost, UM 1987 Dean Anderson, UW 1986 Bill Horn, WMU 1985 Don McSween, MSU 1984 Bob Essensa, MSU 1983 Dan McFall, MSU 1982 Dale Krentz, MSU 1981 Dave Laurion, ND 1980 Paul Fricker, UM 1979 Murray Eaves, UM 1978 John Rockwell, MTU 1977 Dave Joelson, MTU 1976 Greg Hay, MTU 1975 Stu Ostlund, MTU 1974 Robbie Moore, UM 1973 Tom Ross, MSU 1972 Dave Hynes, Har 1971 Ian Williams, ND 1970 Mike Usitalo, MTU 1969 Larry Smith, UNH 1968 Bill Watt, MSU 1967 Roger Bamburak, UND 1966 Mel Wakabayashi, UM 1965 Henry Monteith, UT

Team records Team Titles Runner-up Third place Fourth place Years participated 17 14 13 6 50 14 15 14 8 51 12 18 13 16 59 4 2 0 1 7 2 1 0 1 4 1 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 0 3 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 4 0 5 1 0 3 0 4 1 0 2 2 5 1 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 3 4 1 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 3 2 6 0 1 0 4 5 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1

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