Augustana’s athletics department has released the complete 2026‑27 men’s hockey schedule, a 34‑game campaign that blends home‑ice dominance with a demanding road slate. The Vikings will host 19 games at Midco Arena, the same venue where they posted a 16‑2‑3 record a season ago, underscoring the arena’s growing reputation as a formidable home‑court advantage.
The season opens with a back‑to‑back series on October 9‑10 against Minnesota Duluth, a program that finished the previous year at 24‑15‑1 and earned an NCAA tournament berth. The matchup promises a early test of Augustana’s mettle and sets the tone for a schedule that includes three non‑conference opponents — Minnesota Duluth, Omaha and Alaska Fairbanks — each slated for at least one home appearance.
Key non‑conference matchups and early road tests
In addition to the Duluth series, Augustana will travel to face Omaha for the first ever Thursday night games on October 15 and 17, a nod to the growing popularity of weekend night hockey. The Vikings will also make a historic trip to Columbus, Ohio, to play Ohio State on October 23‑24, before returning home for the first conference series against Northern Michigan on October 30‑31.
The non‑conference slate also includes an exhibition game at the University of North Dakota on October 3, providing a chance to fine‑tune strategies before the regular season fully ramps up. The early portion of the schedule will feature a 12‑game conference stretch, beginning with Northern Michigan and continuing through matchups that test both depth and resilience.
Mid‑season momentum and the road to the playoffs
After the initial conference run, the second half of the season kicks off on January 8‑9 with a series against Michigan Tech. Over the ensuing weeks the Vikings will play 14 regular‑season games between January and February, navigating a mix of home and away contests that include a decisive series against Alaska Fairbanks on December 18‑19. The team’s strong home record from the previous year suggests that the familiar confines of Midco Arena will remain a critical factor in building momentum.
The regular season culminates on home ice against Minnesota State on February 26‑27, a rematch that could determine seeding for the upcoming Mason Cup Playoffs. The postseason begins on March 5, promising a high‑stakes environment as the Vikings aim to translate their regular‑season success into a championship run.