Badgers' Ice Dominance: A Season of High Stakes and Fierce Rivalries
Unveiling the Non-Conference Gauntlet: Early Season Challenges and Key Returns
The Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey program is set to kick off its 2026-27 campaign with a compelling non-conference schedule. The season begins with a home series against Robert Morris on October 2-3 at the Kohl Center. A significant highlight includes a road trip to Minnesota State on October 9-10, marking a reunion with former head coach Mike Hastings, who led the Mavericks from 2012 to 2023. This matchup is particularly noteworthy given the history, including a split series between the two teams during the 2025-26 season. Another notable non-conference event is the Kwik Trip Holiday Face Off, and later in the season, Canisius will visit Madison for a series on November 28-29, adding further depth to the team's early challenges.
Big Ten Showdowns: A Detailed Look at the Conference Calendar
Beyond the non-conference slate, the Wisconsin Badgers are gearing up for an intense Big Ten schedule. The conference play windows have been outlined, with key matchups spread throughout the season. The Badgers will host Notre Dame from October 29 to November 1 and welcome Ohio State from November 12 to 15. Penn State will also visit the Kohl Center between November 19 and 22. Road games include trips to Minnesota from November 5 to 8, Michigan from December 3 to 6, and a return visit to Penn State from January 21 to 24. January sees a home series against Michigan State from the 7th to the 10th. The team will also travel to Ohio State from January 28 to 31, host Minnesota from February 4 to 7, and visit Michigan State from February 11 to 14. The regular season concludes with a home series against Michigan from February 18 to 21, followed by a final road series at Notre Dame from March 4 to 5. This demanding schedule ensures a season filled with high-stakes conference battles.
