Notre Dame’s hockey program has officially released its non‑conference schedule for the 2026‑27 season, a slate that blends exhibition tune‑ups with a competitive stretch of regular‑season games.
Exhibition Openers
The first two games of the campaign will be played at home on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3, when the Fighting Irish host the U.S. National Team Development Program and the Toronto Jr. Canadiens, using the matchups as a final rehearsal before the regular season begins.
Regular‑Season Kickoff
Regular‑season play opens on Oct. 8‑9 with a series against Niagara, a game that promises to set the tone for the Irish’s upcoming schedule.
Home‑and‑Home Series
A highly anticipated home‑and‑home series with Western Michigan follows on Oct. 16‑17, giving the team a chance to test themselves against a perennial conference rival on familiar ice.
The schedule then shifts to a two‑game set with Merrimack on Oct. 23‑24, after which the non‑conference slate continues with a Nov. 24 showdown versus Bowling Green and a Nov. 27 clash with Boston College.
Season Finale
The non‑conference action concludes Jan. 1‑2 with a trip to face Stonehill, rounding out a busy preseason that will leave the Irish ready for the challenges ahead.