Northeastern 2026-27: Gentlemen of the Road

[Split-N]

Politest thread title I can think of for the fate of the 2026-27 Northeastern Huskies, which will play (by my count) 32 of its 35 games on the road. Maybe even 33 depending on how one interprets that last game of the season (March 6) vs BC. (2026-27 Men's Ice Hockey Schedule - Northeastern University Athletics). The only two that come actually close to legitimate home games are the two Beanpots (Feb 1 (vs Harvard) and Feb 8.

For those who have been living in other galaxies, all of this comes about because NU had no choice but to demolish the storied 115-year-old Matthews Arena and build a new multipurpose facility on its bones with an opening scheduled for some time in the 2028-29 season. But even that hit a snag after asbestos was found during excavation, with opening now pushed back at least nine months into the 2029-30 season. (Asbestos discovery delays construction of new athletic facility - The Huntington News)

Having no home arena for games also means no home practice facility, so the incoming roster not only has to bus to all of its games but also has to endure schlepping back and forth to Boch Arena, in Dedham (about 12 miles away) for practices. This season, along with at least two to follow, will surely be the times that try men's souls. Players who make it through this tunnel should probably also be eligible for automatic entry into the Husky Hall of Fame.

If there is a silver lining to the otherwise dark cloud, the many, many away games could give the Huskies an NPI bump-up if they can just hold their own on their interminable travels.

 

[navy44]

IIRC, the 2027-28 season will give the faithful a chance to do Thanksgiving in Ireland for a couple of neutral site Belpot games.

 

[lifeoncommave]

As a lifelong Terrier there's not much that can happen that would make me feel bad for you guys, but when I read about the asbestos thing, even my heart sank. That poor team.

 

[BC/HE]

They should be able to get a closer practice facility. BC used the Fessenden School about 4 miles away when the basketball court was set up in Conte. With the new basketball practice facility in Conte now, they will likely travel less to Fessenden. Dexter Southfield is half the distance of the Boch Arena, UMass Boston is close as well. Perhaps Warrior Arena is too expensive to practice at, but couldn't they at least play a few home games there? BC and probably Harvard are overbooked but BU with two rinks should be able to fit a few games in for NU. Is the Ryan rink in Watertown still in use where Bentley previously played. I know it is not ideal, but I think they got 2000 in there. Why can't they set up a doubleheader or back-to-back separate admissions at BC or BU? I don't think anyone is putting any effort into this, unless they think that in a few years they get payback of home dates.