Hockey

Penn State Men’s Hockey Announces 2026‑27 Non‑Conference Slate

Season opener set for Icebreaker Tournament in Connecticut, with Niagara series slated for late 2026

Season Opener at the Icebreaker Tournament

The Nittany Lions will begin the 2026‑27 season by traveling to Connecticut for the Icebreaker Tournament, where they open against the University of Connecticut on October 9 and Sacred Heart University on October 10. The tournament provides an early test against two strong non‑conference opponents and sets the tone for the year.

Niagara Series Set for December

Following the tournament, Penn State will host Niagara University for a two‑game series. The first contest is scheduled for December 31, 2026, at Pegula Ice Arena in State College, while the second game will be played on January 2, 2027, at Dwyer Arena in Western New York. The matchups mark a return to a longstanding non‑conference rivalry.

The remainder of the 2026‑27 schedule has not yet been announced. Historically, Penn State finalizes its full slate in the summer months, with the Big Ten Conference releasing its conference matchups in August. Fans can expect additional games to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead

Coach Ryan McInerney expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming season, noting that the early non‑conference slate will help the team build chemistry before diving into Big Ten play. With the schedule taking shape, the Nittany Lions aim to carry forward the momentum from last season’s strong performance.

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