Michigan State and North Dakota to Play in 2026 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game

Michigan State and North Dakota will play in the 2026 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game on October 31, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park.

“We look forward to welcoming two of the top collegiate hockey programs and some of the best hockey fans in the country to Austin,” said Drew Hays, director of the Austin Sports Commission. “For hockey enthusiasts, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game is a can’t miss event and we look forward to showcasing why Austin is the perfect destination to host the event in 2026.”

This will be the 105th all-time meeting between North Dakota and Michigan State, with UND holding a 64-37-3 record in the series. The teams have only played four times in the past decade, with the Fighting Hawks recording a sweep in November 2015 at Munn Arena in East Lansing and the Spartans grabbing a win and tie at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Fargo the following season.

“We are looking forward to playing in the Hall of Fame Game and our trip to Austin,” said Michigan State coach Adam Nightingale. “It promises to be an outstanding matchup between two storied college hockey programs that combined have won 11 NCAA national championships. We are honored to be a part of this fantastic event.”

For North Dakota, which will be designated as the home team, it will be the first time in program history playing in Texas. The Fighting Hawks will be in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game for the 12th time in 2026. The game will be at the home of the Texas Stars, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars.

“We’re looking forward to hosting a premier college hockey event that will provide an unmatched life experience for our student-athletes and offers our fans an exciting destination game weekend,” said UND coach Brad Berry. “The game, featuring two premiere college hockey programs promises to be an outstanding game.”

The University of Denver will host the University of Minnesota for the 2025 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game at Ball Arena in Denver over Thanksgiving weekend.