CHSAA Updates High School Ice Hockey Postseason Schedule
The Colorado High School Activities Association is shifting its hockey calendar to avoid conflicts with university programs.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Should school sports organizations prioritize playing at major college venues over maintaining local season schedules?
The Colorado High School Activities Association finalized a new postseason schedule this week to better coordinate with collegiate ice hockey programs in the state. The updated calendar moves the end of the regular season up by three days to accommodate the University of Denver and Colorado College.
Why it matters
The adjustments were necessary to resolve ongoing scheduling conflicts with local university ice hockey programs. By shifting the high school timeline, the association avoids overlap that could complicate venue availability and regional tournament logistics.
The CHSAA moved the end of the regular season from February 13 to February 10, a shift of 3 days. This adjustment ensures the 5A Finals can proceed as planned at Magness Arena on February 23.
The players
Colorado High School Activities Association
This organization oversees interscholastic athletics and activities for public and private high schools across Colorado.
University of Denver
This institution operates a prominent collegiate ice hockey program that serves as a partner in hosting high school championship events.
Colorado College
This college maintains a storied ice hockey program that necessitates the coordination of local arena schedules.
The details
The board of directors approved the proposal on October 21 and finalized the plan on October 22. This new structure dictates that the first round of both 4A and 5A brackets will now begin on February 12.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: The CHSAA Board of Directors approved the proposal.
October 22, 2026: The postseason plan was finalized.
February 10, 2027: The regular season concludes.
February 12, 2027: The first round of 4A and 5A brackets begins.
February 23, 2027: The 5A Finals take place at Magness Arena.
Season Trajectory
This schedule change aligns high school championship dates with the availability of collegiate facilities. It ensures that the path to the 5A Finals at Magness Arena remains clear of conflicts with university hockey programs.
Fans and teams should update their calendars to reflect the new February 10 regular season end date. The accelerated timeline means the 4A and 5A opening rounds will now commence on February 12.
The takeaway
Proactive scheduling changes like these prevent logistical bottlenecks during the busy postseason window. Teams and supporters should verify all game dates against the updated CHSAA bracket to ensure they have the most accurate information.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming tournament, visit the Colorado Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CHSAANow.
Live Poll
Should school sports organizations prioritize playing at major college venues over maintaining local season schedules?
