Penn State's men's ice hockey program has unveiled its schedule for the 2026‑27 season, detailing both the Big Ten conference weekends and a rigorous non‑conference slate that will test the team from the opening face‑off.
The campaign begins on the road against Arizona State, marking the first meeting between the two programs and setting the tone for a busy schedule that will see the Nittany Lions travel across the country throughout the year.
Non‑Conference Slate
Beyond the conference, Penn State is slated to face nine opponents outside the Big Ten, including UConn, Sacred Heart, Quinnipiac and Princeton. The first of those matchups will take place on October 9, 2026, when the team opens non‑conference play at the Ice Breaker Tournament.
A look back at the previous season reveals that four of Penn State's 14 defeats came at the hands of non‑conference opponents, underscoring the competitiveness of the out‑of‑conference schedule and the need for continued improvement.
Big Ten Weekend Series
The first Big Ten weekend series is scheduled for a road trip to Minnesota, with games slated for October 29 through November 1, 2026. Additional road series will take the team to Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, Notre Dame and Ohio State throughout the season.
At home, Penn State will host six Big Ten weekend series at Pegula Ice Arena, beginning with a matchup against Notre Dame on November 5‑8, 2026. These home series are expected to draw large crowds and create a vibrant atmosphere for the fan base.
The full conference schedule is typically released in late August, giving fans ample time to plan travel and attendance for the upcoming series.