The future of Husky Hockey has officially arrived.

On Friday, St. Cloud State Men’s Hockey gave fans their first look at what promises to be a landscape-shifting year, releasing the full 2026-27 regular-season schedule. Between a brand-new face behind the bench and a historic realignment within the conference, this winter is going to hit different at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

Here is everything you need to know about what makes this a historic schedule ahead.

1. The Nick Oliver Era Begins

This season marks the highly anticipated debut of Nick Oliver as SCSU’s new head coach. A former Huskies captain (Class of 2015) and assistant coach, Oliver returns to his alma mater to usher in a new era of grit and high-octane hockey.

Oliver’s squad will hit the ice for the first time on the road at Bemidji State on Saturday, October 3, before returning to St. Cloud to welcome Michigan Tech (October 9–10) for the official home opener inside a newly renovated Herb Brooks National Hockey Center.

2. The NCHC Expands to 10

The headline of the 2026-27 schedule is a historic structural shift for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). The University of St. Thomas is officially joining the league as its 10th member, creating an instant, local rivalry for the Huskies.

Under the NCHC’s new 10-team scheduling model, SCSU and St. Thomas have been designated as official travel partners. What does that mean for fans?

• The Huskies and Tommies will lock horns four times every single regular season.
• Every year will conclude with a high-stakes, home-and-home series between the two teams.
• This year, because of early-season scheduling conflicts, the targeted series are set for January 8–9 (in St. Paul) and February 26–27 (in St. Cloud to close out the regular season).

3. High-Profile Non-Conference Showdowns

Coach Oliver isn't easing into his new role. The Huskies' non-conference slate features heavy hitters, cross-country travel, and old-school rivalries:

• The East Coast Trips: The Huskies will fly out east twice. First, a marquee series against Boston College (October 15 & 17) to complete a home-and-home agreement, followed by a Thanksgiving weekend trip to Burlington to face Vermont (November 27–28) for the first time on their ice since 2006.
• Familiar Foes: Alongside Michigan Tech and Bemidji State, SCSU will also host the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves for a post-New Year's series on January 1–2.

2026-27 Home Schedule Highlights

October 2026

• Oct. 3 (Sat): at Bemidji State • AWAY (Non-Conference)  
• Oct. 9–10 (Fri–Sat): vs. Michigan Tech • HOME (Non-Conference)  
• Oct. 15 (Thu) & Oct. 17 (Sat): at Boston College • AWAY  
• Oct. 30–31 (Fri–Sat): vs. Arizona State • HOME (NCHC Opener)  

November 2026

• Nov. 6–7 (Fri–Sat): at Omaha • AWAY  
• Nov. 13–14 (Fri–Sat): vs. Minnesota Duluth • HOME  
• Nov. 20–21 (Fri–Sat): at North Dakota • AWAY  
• Nov. 27–28 (Fri–Sat): at Vermont • AWAY (Non-Conference / Thanksgiving Weekend)  

December 2026

• Dec. 11–12 (Fri–Sat): vs. Denver • HOME  
• Dec. 16 (Wed): vs. Bemidji State • HOME (Non-Conference Midweek Game)  

January 2027

• Jan. 1–2 (Fri–Sat): vs. Alaska • HOME (Non-Conference)  
• Jan. 8 (Fri): at St. Thomas • AWAY  
• Jan. 9 (Sat): vs. St. Thomas • HOME (Completing a home-and-home split)  
• Jan. 15–16 (Fri–Sat): vs. Miami • HOME  
• Jan. 22–23 (Fri–Sat): at Colorado College • AWAY  

February 2027

• Feb. 5–6 (Fri–Sat): at Western Michigan • AWAY  
• Feb. 12–13 (Fri–Sat): vs. Omaha • HOME  
• Feb. 19–20 (Fri–Sat): at Denver • AWAY  
• Feb. 26 (Fri): vs. St. Thomas • HOME  
• Feb. 27 (Sat): at St. Thomas • AWAY (Regular Season Finale / Home-and-Home split)  

Postseason Timeline

• March 5–7: NCHC Quarterfinals (Best-of-three series hosted by higher seeds)  
• March 12–13: NCHC Frozen Faceoff Semifinals & Finals

‍