A Season of Firsts
The University of Minnesota announced its 2026‑27 men’s hockey slate on Thursday, marking the program’s 106th season and setting the stage for a campaign that blends tradition with fresh ambition.
At the helm, new head coach Brett Larson steps into the role vacated by Bob Motzko, bringing a fast‑paced philosophy and a hunger to restore the Gophers to the summit of collegiate hockey.
The opening stretch takes the team on the road to Houghton, Michigan, for a two‑game series against Michigan Tech on Oct. 2‑3, before a rivalry showdown with Minnesota‑Duluth on Oct. 16‑17.
A nine‑game homestand at 3M Arena at Mariucci follows, beginning with a clash against North Dakota on Oct. 22‑23, a matchup that always ignites the campus crowd.
Big Ten competition opens at home against Penn State from Oct. 29‑Nov. 1, and the schedule weaves in a Thanksgiving weekend series with Minnesota State, adding another layer of regional rivalry.
December tests the Gophers with a road swing that includes a trip to Notre Dame and a showdown at the defending Big Ten regular‑season champion Michigan State.
After the winter break, an exhibition against Bemidji State on Jan. 2 offers a preview before the team hosts Michigan for a three‑game series Jan. 7‑10, followed by back‑to‑back home games versus Notre Dame and Michigan State later in the month.
February brings a pair of road trips to Wisconsin and Penn State, and the regular season culminates with a four‑game stretch at Michigan from Feb. 25‑28, setting the tone for the postseason push.
The chase intensifies in March with the Big Ten Tournament at campus sites, leading into NCAA Regionals from March 25‑28, and ultimately the Frozen Four in Washington, D.C., on April 8‑10, where Larson hopes to translate early momentum into a national title run.