The University of Michigan and Michigan State announced their full 2026‑27 men’s ice‑hockey schedules on Tuesday, laying out a demanding slate that blends traditional rivalries with ambitious non‑conference road trips. Both programs highlighted a series of high‑stakes games that will test their depth as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Michigan State’s schedule features a marquee appearance in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game, where the Spartans will meet North Dakota on Oct. 31 in Austin, Texas. The matchup is part of a broader non‑conference lineup that includes ten games against seven different opponents, and it comes with a $50,000 guarantee from the Hall of Fame organizers. In addition, the Spartans will host Boston College for an exhibition that nets a $40,000 profit after a $10,000 payment to the Eagles.
Hall of Fame Game Highlights
The Austin game will mark the first time the Spartans open the season on the West Coast in over a decade, and it will be streamed nationally on the NHL’s digital platforms. North Dakota, a perennial powerhouse, will provide a stern test for a Michigan State squad that lost goaltender Trey Augustine and defenseman Danny Russell to the professional ranks but welcomes freshman blueliner Chase Reid and veteran net‑minder Joshua Ravensbergen.
Michigan, meanwhile, will seek revenge against Denver in a two‑game non‑conference series on Oct. 16‑17, a rematch of the Frozen Four semifinal that saw the Wolverines fall just short of the championship. The Wolverines have retained key forwards Michael Hage and Jack Ivankovic while adding fresh talent such as forward Mason West and defenseman Cullen Potter to bolster their attack.
Both teams will meet four times during the regular season, with scheduled battles on Nov. 19, Nov. 22, Feb. 4 and Feb. 7. Those dates promise electric atmospheres at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor and Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, venues that have become synonymous with high‑intensity Big Ten competition.
The recruitment landscape adds another layer of intrigue. Landon DuPont, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, has publicly expressed interest in both Michigan and Michigan State, weighing the programs’ recent successes and the opportunity to play alongside prospects like Charlie Stramel, Porter Martone and Ryker Lee. His decision could sway the competitive balance in the upcoming season.
Beyond the on‑ice action, the schedules reflect a strategic push to expand geographic reach. Michigan State’s non‑conference slate includes trips to Magness Arena in Denver, Slater Family Ice Arena in Bowling Green, and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, while Michigan will also venture to Magness Arena and Magness Arena’s counterpart in Colorado. These excursions not only increase travel budgets but also broaden fan engagement across the United States.
Fans can expect a season filled with travel, tradition and new talent. With both programs emphasizing development, the 2026‑27 schedule sets the stage for a compelling year of collegiate hockey, one that will be closely watched by NHL scouts, coaches and enthusiasts alike.