RIT's men's ice hockey program received a major boost this week as Coach Matt Thomas unveiled the 2026‑27 schedule, a slate that blends home‑court advantage with a rigorous non‑conference road test.
The Tigers will enjoy 15 home contests at the Gene Polisseni Center, the familiar battleground where the team looks to build on its recent upward trajectory.
Key Matchups and Venues
Among the highlights is a highly anticipated home‑and‑home series with Niagara to open the season, followed by a downtown Rochester showdown with Michigan State on October 17, part of the Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend at the Blue Cross Arena.
The non‑conference portion features six games against ECAC Hockey powers, including a trip to the Adirondack Invitational in Lake Placid where RIT will meet Clarkson and St. Lawrence, while three additional matchups pit the Tigers against Hockey East opponents.
Later in the month, the team will travel to face Army and Bentley in back‑to‑back conference road doubleheaders, testing the squad’s depth early in the Atlantic Hockey season.
RIT finished the previous season at 17‑17‑2, a seven‑win improvement, and secured the fifth seed in the AHA Tournament before falling in the quarterfinals to Holy Cross; the experience fuels a renewed hunger for the championship.
Ticket details for the upcoming campaign will be released in due course, and fans are encouraged to monitor ritathletics.com for the latest updates and promotions.