A demanding non‑conference slate
The University of Wisconsin announced its 2026‑27 men’s hockey schedule, a blend of challenging non‑conference road trips and a full Big Ten slate that will run from early October through March. The release highlights several series that pit the Badgers against programs where head coach Mike Hastings once held the reins.
Wisconsin will host Robert Morris for a two‑game set on October 2‑3, 2026, in Madison. The matchup marks a reunion with a team that has already split a pair of games with the Badgers at the Kohl Center during the 2025‑26 season, a series that was overseen by Hastings during his tenure at Minnesota State.
The lone non‑conference contest outside of neutral sites arrives on October 9‑10, when Minnesota State visits Madison. The Mavericks, who were guided by Hastings from 2012 to 2023, will test the Badgers in a series that could shape early conference standings.
Later in the fall, Canisius College will travel to Madison for a two‑game series on November 28‑29, 2026. The Golden Griffins provide a different style of play and add depth to the non‑conference slate.
A marquee non‑conference showdown is slated for December 10‑11, 2026, when Omaha University makes its way to Madison. The series against the Mavericks, now coached by a different staff, promises a fresh tactical battle for both teams.
Big Ten battles on the horizon
After the non‑conference stretch, Wisconsin will plunge into Big Ten play, beginning with a home series against Notre Dame on October 29‑November 1, followed by contests against Minnesota, Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State and additional meetings with Minnesota and Michigan later in the season. The schedule underscores the conference’s depth and the Badgers’ need to maintain consistency against elite competition.
Overall, the 2026‑27 campaign offers a blend of familiar foes and new challenges, with each series designed to test the team’s depth, resilience and adaptability as they aim for a strong finish in the Big Ten and beyond.