The Gophers men’s hockey team has unveiled its non-conference schedule for the 2025–26 season. The 12-game lineup features several classic matchups, including showdowns with former WCHA foes and a couple of powerhouse programs. The season kicks off at home with a two-game series against Michigan Tech on October 3 and 4.
2025–26 Non-Conference Schedule:
- Oct. 3: vs. Michigan Tech
- Oct. 4: vs. Michigan Tech
- Oct. 9: vs. Boston College
- Oct. 10: vs. Boston College
- Oct. 17: at North Dakota
- Oct. 18: at North Dakota
- Oct. 24: vs. Minnesota Duluth
- Oct. 25: vs. Minnesota Duluth
- Nov. 14: vs. Long Island
- Nov. 15: vs. Long Island
- Nov. 28 or 29: at Denver (Ball Arena)
- Jan. 2: at Bemidji State (Exhibition)
Notes/Takeaways
Minnesota’s season-opening series against Michigan Tech marks their first encounter since both teams competed in the WCHA during the 2010-11 season. This will be the 43rd and 44th all-time matchup, with the Gophers holding a 31-7-4 lead in the series.
The Boston College series, set for Thursday and Friday, precedes the football team’s Homecoming game against Purdue. The teams last met in 2016-17 in Chestnut Hill, Mass. This will be Boston College’s first visit to 3M Arena at Mariucci since the 2013-14 season, when they played a two-game series in October.
The Gophers will face archrival North Dakota for the first time since the 2023-24 season, following a year-long hiatus. The Fighting Hawks are expected to show significant improvement this season after numerous offseason changes.
Minnesota will take on UMD for the third consecutive year in non-conference play. Despite the Bulldogs’ lack of a winning record since 2020-21, this in-state rivalry remains highly competitive.
The Gophers’ non-conference schedule concludes with a home game against the independent Division I Long Island University Sharks, who are not affiliated with a conference. Later in the month, Minnesota will travel to face Denver at Ball Arena, home of the Colorado Avalanche.
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