In 2002, a college ice hockey tournament was founded in honor of long-time executive Edgar "Lefty" McFadden. Because he had worked as a sports writer for Dayton Daily News and been both GM and vice president of the Dayton Gems, the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio was a logical place to hold the tournament. The nearest Division I team, Miami, served as host for the tournament and was conducted at the beginning of the season.[1] Just over two years into the tournament's existence, Lefty McFadden died at the age of 81.[2] The series survived for two more years before going on hiatus .
The tournament returned in 2007 with Ohio State as host but was not renewed after the season.
