The puck has dropped on the 2025–26 Naval Academy hockey season, and excitement is already building in Annapolis. With a strong core of returning players and a talented group of new Midshipmen ready to make their mark, this year promises fast-paced action and fierce competition on the ice. Fans can expect intense rivalries, standout performances, and the relentless drive that defines Navy hockey both on and off the ice.
Playing at the McMullen Hockey Arena, located inside the Naval Academy Brigade Sports Complex, the Goats host three programs: a D1 men’s team, a D3 men’s team and a D2 women’s team. The D1 men’s team competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Their season began in mid-September and has seen the Midshipmen record four wins so far. With a host of matches, their regular season runs until February 21, 2026 and will be followed by playoffs, should the team have a successful season.
The D3 team competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL). This squad runs on a similar schedule as the D1 team, with slightly fewer regular season games. Last year, the Midshipmen made a strong run in the postseason, eventually bowing out in the quarter-final match against York College (Pa.). They currently sit third in the Eastern Shore Division.
The D2 women’s team also competes in the ACHA, similar to the men’s D1 team. Their season runs from mid-September to the end of February, creating plenty of opportunities to catch a game! The women have currently won six games and sit fifth in the Delaware Valley College Hockey Conference.
Tickets are affordable — $10 for adults, $5 for youth, and free for Midshipmen. The men’s D3 team typically offers free admission for most games, with exceptions for special tournaments. Parking at McMullen Arena is free. What’s great about checking out Navy hockey is that, unlike some sports where you need to take a bus to get onto the Yard, access is allowed without an Authorized Patron. The arena can be found next to the Naval Academy Golf Club and can hold nearly 700 people, creating both an intimate and exciting environment.
Between the action on the ice, fans can refuel with snacks and drinks from the concession stand, which stays open throughout the game and between periods. Those looking to show their Navy pride can also grab official Navy Hockey merchandise at the tables beside the rink and bleachers. And if you’re one of those people who finds watching the Zamboni glide over the ice weirdly satisfying (you’re not alone), intermission might just be your favorite part of the night.
Men’s D1 schedules can be found here, with the D3 schedules being located here and the women’s D2 here. As the 2025–26 season skates onward, Navy hockey continues to embody the dedication, teamwork, and perseverance that define the Brigade of Midshipmen. Each program, from the men’s D1 and D3 squads to the women’s D2 team, strives to uphold the Academy’s proud athletic tradition and competitive spirit. With affordable admission and an electric atmosphere at McMullen Arena, now is the perfect time to cheer on the Goats and experience Navy hockey at its finest.
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