The University of Notre Dame has unveiled its 2026‑27 non‑conference hockey schedule, a slate that promises eight different opponents and eleven home contests.
A busy road ahead
Exhibition play opens on October 2 when the Irish host the U.S. National Team Development Program, before the regular season kicks off with a two‑game series against Niagara on October 8 and 9.
A home‑and‑home series with Western Michigan follows on October 16 and 17, after which Merrimack visits South Bend for a pair of games on October 23 and 24.
The Irish return to non‑conference action over Thanksgiving, hosting Bowling Green on November 24 before traveling to face Boston College on November 27.
The regular season concludes its non‑conference stretch with a two‑game series against Stonehill on January 1 and 2, rounding out a demanding but exciting schedule.
Looking ahead
Coach Jeff Jackson says the varied opponents will test the team’s depth and prepare it for the rigors of Big Ten play, while the home‑ice advantage should help build momentum early in the campaign.