The Wisconsin Badgers will open the 2026‑27 men’s hockey season with a two‑game non‑conference series against Robert Morris on October 2 and 3, a matchup that promises to set an early tone for a schedule that blends road tests with home‑court celebrations.
Season Opener and Early Road Tests
A week later the team travels to Mankato, Minnesota, for back‑to‑back games against Minnesota State on October 9 and 10, marking the first meeting with the Mavericks since January 2013 and the first time head coach Mike Hastings and associate head coach Todd Knott have set foot in the city since taking the reins of the program.
The Badgers then head into a Thanksgiving weekend series against Canisius on November 28 and 29, using the holiday period to test depth against a different non‑conference opponent before returning to the Kohl Center for a December 10‑11 showdown with Omaha.
Thanksgiving and Holiday Showcases
Milwaukee will once again host the Kwik Trip Holiday Face‑Off on December 29 and 30, giving fans a festive atmosphere to watch the team while the schedule also includes games against Arizona State, UMass and Northern Michigan scattered throughout November and December.
Big Ten Road Ahead
Beyond the non‑conference slate, the Badgers’ Big Ten schedule looms large, with contests against Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Penn State still awaiting exact dates, promising a rigorous conference battle later in the season.