UTICA, NY - 157 days; that's what remains in the wait for the reigning UCHC Champion Utica Pioneers to return to the ice.
 
The Pioneers will be gearing up for a successful UCHC title defense and a return trip to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four, which will take place at a non-pre-determined site this season. Many high-profile challengers will be stopping by the Adirondack Bank Center this season, with the Pioneers looking to dispel the top competition and build their resume for another run in the NCAA Tournament. The team is slated to have another action-packed schedule next season, with many returning matchups and new foes to face off against. The season will culminate with the UCHC Tournament and the ensuing NCAA Division III Men's Ice Hockey Tournament, where the Pioneers have another great shot to host multiple rounds, including the National Semifinals and National Championship, pending a stellar season from their star-studded senior class.

The core of the program has been building to this season, as the team looks to return eight rising seniors who have been with the program since their rookie years. This group includes big names, such as the two captains from last season in Drake Morse (Grand Rapids, MI) and Preston Brighton (Castle Rock, CO). This group will be complemented by a large group of returning talent, as only 7 of 27 players from last year's team have moved on to their next chapter via graduation. The program has been building its core with an eye on the 2026-2027 campaign, so take a look below and see when you can stop by to enjoy the show!
 
2026-2027 Home Schedule Breakdown:
Next year's campaign is littered with star-studded matchups and interesting storylines, many of which will come to light at the Adirondack Bank Center. The Pioneers will welcome three opponents who finished inside the final USCHO Top-15 poll last season, with the potential for a fourth matchup against a Top-15 finisher barring the results of the Utica Thanksgiving Showcase. In addition, the team will welcome Team USA (NTDP) to the Adirondack Bank Center in January of 2027 for TWO home matchups. Check out the schedule below to see all the highly anticipated home action: 
 
All of the below games will be played at the Adirondack Bank Center | Records reflect last season's results
October 23rd (Fri.) | 7:00 PM - Skidmore (15-10-2)
November 5th (Thu.) | 7:00 PM - Hobart (30-1, National Runner-Up, #2 USCHO)
November 13th (Fri.) | 7:00 PM - SUNY Brockport (10-16)
November 20th (Fri.) | 7:00 PM - Manhattanville (4-20-1)
November 21st (Sat.) | 7:00 PM - Manhattanville (4-20-1)

UTICA THANKSGIVING SHOWCASE - (UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS, SUNY CORTLAND)
November 27th (Fri.) | 4:00 PM - SUNY Cortland (14-12-1) vs University of New England (21-7, #8 USCHO)
November 27th (Fri.) | 7:30 PM - Utica University (20-8-1, #7 USCHO) vs Gustavus Adolphus (18-8-1, RV USCHO)
November 28th (Sat.) | TBD - Consolation Game
November 28th (Sat.) | TBD - Championship Game

Please note that regardless of the first round results, the Pioneers will be playing at 7:30 PM on Saturday, Day Two of the tournament. 

NEW YORK SASH TEDDY BEAR TOSS
December 5th (Sat.) | 7:00 PM - Norwich University (19-6-4, #10 USCHO)
 
January 8th (Fri.) | 7:00 PM - Team USA* (Exhibition)
January 9th (Sat.) | 2:00 PM - Team USA* (Exhibition)
January 16th (Sat.) | 7:00 PM - Nazareth University (16-8-3)
January 30th (Sat.) | 7:00 PM - St. John Fisher (12-13)
February 5th (Fri.) | 7:00 PM - Elmira College (6-18-1)
February 13th (Sat.) | 7:00 PM - SUNY Geneseo (18-8-1, #11 USCHO)

Additionally, be sure to take a short trip out west to watch the Pioneers take on the Oswego State Holiday Classic. The Pioneers will get 2027 started off in explosive fashion, facing Trine University in the first semifinal, while the hosts Oswego will take on the reigning Division III National Champion Hamilton College in the other semifinal. Here is the schedule for the tournament:

OSWEGO STATE HOLIDAY CLASSIC
January 1st (Fri.) | TBD - Utica University (20-8-1, #7 USCHO) vs Trine University (18-8-1, #15 USCHO)
January 1st (Fri.) | TBD - Oswego State (19-7-2, #13 USCHO) vs Hamilton College (23-5-2, National Champion, #1 USCHO)
January 2nd (Sat.) | TBD - Consolation Game
January 2nd (Sat.) | TBD - Championship Game
 
SEASON TICKET HOLDER INFORMATION
Current season ticket holders will have until July 24th to renew their season ticket and be a part of next season's spectacle. Current season ticket holders should have received an email with instructions on how to redeem through the new online option! Check your email for more details about how you can be a part of the upcoming season. Tickets will apply for all regular-season home games, and will provide early access to any postseason ticket sales as well. Season ticket prices for the 2026-27 season will reflect the same prices as the previous campaign. 
 
After July 24th, season ticket sales will be open to the general public.
 
Claim your season ticket and join another exciting season of Utica Men's Hockey now!

Downloadable 2026-2027 Utica Hockey Schedule:
Mobile: Hold down on the schedule and press "Save Image"
Desktop: Right click on the schedule and press "Save Image"