The University of Minnesota unveiled its 2026‑27 women's hockey schedule, marking the first season under head coach Greg "Boom" May, who takes over from the long‑tenured Brad Frost. The announcement comes as the program looks to build on recent successes and push for a national championship.
A New Coaching Era
May, known for his high‑octane offensive philosophy, inherits a roster that has consistently been among the nation's elite. His appointment signals a shift in strategy and a fresh recruiting approach aimed at sustaining the Gophers' tradition of excellence.
Season Opener
The schedule opens with a two‑game WCHA series on the road at Bemidji State on October 2 and 3, giving Minnesota an early test against a program that has been a consistent contender in the conference.
Early‑Season Tests
A week later, Ridder Arena will host the East/West Showcase, bringing together top non‑conference opponents and providing Minnesota with a chance to fine‑tune its lineup before the grind of conference play.
One of the six non‑conference games slated for the schedule is a Friday night clash with Maine from the Hockey East Conference, adding a cross‑country rivalry to the slate.
Minnesota will also host Ohio State for a home‑and‑home series on October 16 and 17, pitting the Gophers against last season's national runner‑up in a high‑stakes early‑season matchup.
October will conclude with a home series against Lindenwood and a road trip to Minnesota Duluth, giving the team a chance to gauge its depth against two very different styles of play.
Conference Play
November will see the Gophers dive into the bulk of WCHA competition, facing St. Cloud State and St. Thomas as they battle for positioning within the league.
Thanksgiving Showcase
The schedule then shifts to a Thanksgiving weekend in Washington, D.C., where Minnesota will meet Princeton on Friday and Penn State on Saturday, marking the program's first appearance in a holiday tournament on the East Coast.
Rivalry Renewed
December brings a much‑anticipated series against rival Wisconsin, kicking off the second half of the season and reigniting a storied rivalry that fans eagerly await.
Before the winter break, the Gophers will play a home‑and‑home series against in‑state opponent Minnesota State, a matchup that often produces tightly contested games and a chance for the team to fine‑tune its power play before the holiday hiatus.