The Army Black Knights are set to begin their 2026‑27 Atlantic Hockey campaign with a two‑game series at Holy Cross on October 16‑17, kicking off a schedule that blends home‑and‑away battles across the East Coast.
Head coach Zach McKelvie will enter his second season at the helm, having guided the team through a rebuilding year that saw eight juniors, nine sophomores and six freshmen return from the 2025‑26 roster.
A demanding road slate
After the opening series, the Black Knights will travel to Colorado Springs for a November 6‑7 matchup with Air Force, then head to Worcester to face Worcester State before returning to West Point for a December 4‑5 showdown against Bentley.
The schedule also includes a home series against Canisius in late January, a trip to Rochester Institute of Technology in late January, and a series at Niagara in early February, rounding out a demanding non‑conference slate that will test depth and resilience.
Playoff outlook
The 2027 Atlantic Hockey playoffs will follow a four‑round format, with the top eight teams battling through single‑game, best‑of‑three and semifinal series before a championship game on March 20. Last season Bentley captured the title, edging Sacred Heart 3‑2, and the Black Knights will look to improve on their 7‑15‑4 conference record.
With a blend of experienced upperclassmen and a fresh influx of talent, Army hopes to climb the standings and secure a favorable seed for the NCAA Division I tournament, a goal that has eluded the program in recent years.