The University of Maine men's ice hockey team is set to square off against Cornell University in a highly anticipated matchup at Madison Square Garden on November 28. The game marks the seventh installment of the Frozen Apple series, a biennial event that has become a staple of college hockey's winter calendar.
A milestone in series history
This will be the first afternoon game in the series' 14‑year history, scheduled to accommodate a New York Rangers evening contest. All previous meetings have taken place at neutral venues, making this the first time the contest lands at the iconic New York arena.
Fans will be able to watch the contest live on ESPN+, which will stream the game to a national audience. Ticket sales are slated to open on July 22 via GoBlackBears.com/MIHTickets, giving supporters ample time to secure seats for what promises to be a packed house.
Voices from the teams
Maine's director of athletics, Jude Killy, said he is excited to bring the program to such a storied venue, while head coach Ben Barr called the experience a special moment for the players. Cornell's head coach, Casey Jones '90, echoed the sentiment, describing the matchup as a celebration of college hockey.
Dr. Nicki Moore, Cornell's director of athletics, highlighted the Frozen Apple as a tribute to the university's traditions, and Joel Fisher, a key figure in the program, will be among those watching the action. The game also revisits a recent chapter, as the two squads met in the 2025 NCAA Division I regional semifinals, adding a layer of rivalry to the upcoming contest.
Looking ahead
With both programs coming off strong seasons — Maine finished 18‑14‑3 in 2025‑26 and Cornell boasts an 8‑3‑2 record at Madison Square Garden — the upcoming clash is expected to draw enthusiastic fans from across the country. The event underscores the growing popularity of college hockey in non‑traditional markets and showcases the ability of neutral‑site games to blend tradition with spectacle.