UMass to Face Harvard in Two-Game Hockey Series

The UMass men's hockey team travels to face Harvard in a series starting October 29.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Hockey

UMass to Face Harvard in Two-Game Hockey Series

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The UMass men's hockey team is set to compete in a two-game series against Harvard beginning October 29, 2026. The matchup starts at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center and concludes the following day at the Mullins Center.

Why it matters

This series serves as a critical test for UMass, which currently holds a 3-3-1 record. Harvard enters the matchup looking to showcase its high-octane offensive strategy after a successful exhibition win.

UMass goaltender Ethan Eskit enters the series with a 1.59 goals against average, 137 total saves, and a .945 save percentage. The team currently averages 2.57 goals per game, while Harvard comes off a 4-1 exhibition victory against Northeastern.

The players

Ethan Eskit

He is the current goaltender for the UMass men's hockey team who has posted a 2-2-1 record this season.

Rob Rassey

He serves as the head coach for the Harvard men's hockey program.

The details

UMass aims to build momentum following its recent performance against Stonehill. Meanwhile, head coach Rob Rassey is focusing on maintaining Harvard's identity centered on applying relentless pressure on the ice.

Timeline

  1. October 29, 2026, marks the first game of the series in Cambridge.

  2. October 30, 2026, marks the second game of the series at the Mullins Center.

Season Trajectory

This series against Harvard will provide a significant indicator of whether UMass can improve its standing in the early season. A strong showing here could shift the team's momentum as they look to improve on their current 3-3-1 record.

The result of these two games will impact UMass's overall win-loss record and regional rankings. Fans can monitor whether goaltender Ethan Eskit can maintain his high save percentage of .945 against Harvard's offensive pressure.

The takeaway

Both teams are looking to leverage these games to define their early-season identity and performance levels. Supporters should track how the UMass offense, averaging 2.57 goals per game, handles the pressure of competing against a high-octane opponent.

Further reading

For more on collegiate competition, visit the Massachusetts Hockey section.

Live Poll

Do you feel your local college teams are showing consistent improvement as the season progresses?