UMass Minutemen Prepare for an Unforgettable 2025-26 Hockey Season
The University of Massachusetts hockey team has just unveiled its much-anticipated 2025-26 schedule, revealing an intriguing blend of familiar rivals and first-time visitors. This season, the Minutemen will ignite the ice at the Mullins Center by welcoming Northern Michigan to Western Massachusetts, marking the Wildcats’ debut appearance against the Minutemen, last faced in 1999.
A Historic Beginning at Home
Launching head coach Greg Carvel’s 10th season, UMass will kick off its new campaign with a two-game series against Northern Michigan on October 4-5. This noteworthy encounter emphasizes not only a blend of historical rivalry but also a welcoming first-time visit of the Wildcats to Amherst, igniting excitement among fans and players alike.
The Road to Stonehill and Northeastern
Befitting their competitive spirit, the Minutemen head to Stonehill on October 10 to face one of NCAA’s freshest Division I teams. Quickly shifting gears, they prepare for a thrilling match-up against another fierce opponent, Northeastern, on October 17, followed by a tasting rematch with Bentley on October 18—both gearing up at their home territory.
Excursions from Nebraska to Arizona
The schedule promises a variety of tones, as UMass ventures into Omaha late October, showcasing their prowess against the Mavericks. This encounter extends UMass’s adventurous journey as they prepare for a Halloween weekend face-off with familiar adversary Cornell—a rematch after their last year’s competitive bout in Arizona’s Desert Hockey Classic.
November’s Grueling Slate
The eventual November chill is mirrored by an intense rush of seven games out of eight against the crème de la crème—teams that stood out in the NCAA Tournament. From Maine’s return to the Huskies’ icy lair by December, this stretch becomes a testing ground for UMass, exploring endurance and dexterity in its thrilling narrative.
Festive Finish and Final Clashes
After a Thanksgiving face-off with Army, the Minutemen slipstream into 2026 with home battles against Boston University and Merrimack, prepping for the epic Vermont showdown. As the season advances, UMass intensifies its fervor in February with in-state rivalry against Lowell, striking a scintillating close against New Hampshire and UConn.
A Season to Remember
As UMass draws the curtain on this captivating season in March, hosting legendary opponents like Boston College and UNH, fans are promised not just games but an electrifying embodiment of sportsmanship and history unfolding in progression. According to Athol Daily News, this upcoming season will be a testament to UMass’ evolving legacy in collegiate hockey.
