If you’ve ever stood in the student section at the Mullins Center when the lights go down and the fog machine kicks in, you know UMass hockey isn't just another college sport. It’s a whole vibe. Honestly, after that 2021 national title, the expectations in Amherst just haven't come back down to earth. People expect a winner every single winter.
This year, the umass amherst hockey schedule is looking like a total gauntlet. Coach Greg Carvel has basically built a roster that looks more like a small forest than a hockey team—these guys are huge. We’re talking about an average height of over 6-foot-1. If you like old-school, heavy, "get-off-my-lawn" style hockey, this is your season. But let’s be real, you’re here because you need to know when to clear your Saturday nights and where to find a parking spot that doesn't cost a limb.
Key Matchups on the UMass Amherst Hockey Schedule
Looking at the stretch through early 2026, the schedule is absolutely packed with Hockey East drama. You’ve got the usual suspects like BC and BU, but there are some sneaky-good games coming up that might actually be the most entertaining ones to watch.
The weekend of January 16 and 17 is a classic home-and-home split with Merrimack. First, the boys head out to North Andover on Friday night. Then, they’re back at the Mullins Center on Saturday, January 17, at 7:00 PM for Youth Day. If you have kids or just want to see a post-game skate, that’s the one to circle.
Then things get spicy. On Friday, January 30, Northeastern comes to town. That’s "Student Appreciation Night," and if history is any indicator, the crowd is going to be loud. Like, ringing-ears-the-next-morning loud.
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February and March: The Home Stretch
February is basically one long "Border Battle" and rivalry month.
- February 7 (Saturday): UMass Lowell visits Amherst at 7:30 PM. It's Farmer Appreciation Night. Weird theme? Maybe. High-intensity game? Always.
- February 20 (Friday): New Hampshire visits for "Chill the Bill" night at 7:00 PM.
- February 28 (Saturday): The "Border Battle" against UConn. This is also Senior Night, presented by Holyoke Medical Center. It’s always emotional seeing the guys like Owen Murray and Lucas Ölvestad play their final regular-season home game.
The regular season wraps up with a massive game against Boston College on Thursday, March 5. BC is almost always ranked in the top five, so having them at home right before the playoffs start is a huge opportunity to boost that PairWise ranking.
Who's Actually On the Ice?
It’s hard to talk about the umass amherst hockey schedule without mentioning the literal giant in the room. Michael Hrabal is back in net. He’s 6-foot-7. Seeing him in the crease is sort of like watching a giraffe try to play goalie, except he’s actually incredibly athletic and had a .924 save percentage last year.
The offense is the big question mark this year. Since Aydar Suniev and Lucas Mercuri left for the NHL, Carvel had to bring in a bunch of new faces. Keep an eye on Vaclav Nestrasil. He’s a first-round NHL pick and the first UMass forward to ever have that distinction. He’s 6-foot-6. Seriously, what is in the water in Amherst? Everyone is massive.
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How to Get Tickets Without Getting Robbed
Honestly, buying tickets at the door is a gamble you’ll probably lose for the big games. Season tickets are the way most locals go, especially with the new Family Fun Zone in Section C. If you’re just looking for single-game tickets, prices usually hover around $15 to $25 for the mid-week or non-conference stuff, but they jump up once the big Boston schools come to town.
Pro tip: if you’re a recent alum (classes of 2021-2025), you can get a "Young Alumni" discount, but you have to actually call the ticket office at 413-545-0810. You can’t just do it through a random app.
Where to Watch if You’re Stuck on the Couch
Can’t make it to the Mullins Center? It happens. Most of the games on the umass amherst hockey schedule are being streamed on ESPN+.
Occasionally, NESN picks up the big ones, like the Lowell and BC matchups. If you’re listening in the car, WHMP (101.5 FM) is still the home for the radio broadcast. There’s something kinda nostalgic about listening to hockey on the radio while driving through the Notch in the Pioneer Valley.
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Making the Most of Gameday
If you’re heading to a game, don't just show up at puck drop. The parking lots around the Mullins Center can be a nightmare if you don't have a donor pass.
- Arrive Early: Aim for 45 minutes before the start. It gives you time to hit the merch stand and find your seat.
- The Commonwealth Club: If you want the "fancy" experience, look into memberships here. It’s on the ice level and has snacks and a cash bar.
- Dress for the Rink: The Mullins Center isn't the coldest arena in the world, but it's still a block of ice. Wear the maroon hoodie.
The road to the Hockey East playoffs goes through Amherst this year. With the size and depth this roster has, the umass amherst hockey schedule isn't just a list of games—it’s a countdown to what many hope is another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
To stay ahead of the curve, make sure to sync the official team calendar to your phone via the UMass Athletics site. This helps you track any last-minute time changes, which happen more often than you'd think due to TV broadcast shifts. Also, keep an eye on the "NewMass Minute" videos on the team's social media for injury updates and line combinations before the puck drops each Friday night.