DEARBORN, Mich. - The University of Michigan-Dearborn men's ice hockey team, the two-time defending Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League Playoff champions, has announced its schedule for the 2017-18 season, as the Wolverines look to make a third consecutive trip to the ACHA National Tournament after a run to the quarterfinals a year ago.
After playing 23 games against ranked opponents in 2016-17, the Wolverines have another loaded slate under fifth-year head coach Chris Haltinner, who holds 84 career victories and a 57.5 winning percentage. UM-Dearborn was ranked throughout the season last year, climbing as high as No. 7 in the nation.
The puck drops on the season with a road trip to Robert Morris University in Illinois on September 29-30. The Wolverines will play two with the Eagles after UM-Dearborn swept a doubleheader at the Fieldhouse last season and knocked RMU out of the ACHA National Tournament in the round of 16.
In a preview of a future NAIA Division matchup, the Wolverines host Lawrence Tech for the 2017-18 home opener on October 5 before welcoming perennial ACHA power Davenport University the following night. Homecoming is set for October 27 as UM-Dearborn faces Missouri State University.
The home schedule includes 10 games on Friday night, with the Wolverines playing at the Fieldhouse on back-to-back nights twice.
UM-Dearborn will defend its GLCHL Playoff title at the 2017-18 hosted by Eastern Michigan University February 23-25 in Ann Arbor, Mich.
New in 2017-18 is the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference tournament, hosted by Indiana Tech in Fort Wayne, Ind., as four teams will showcase the future of men's ice hockey in the WHAC and compete for the first ever postseason championship. The event is scheduled for March 2-4.
The ACHA National Tournament returns to Columbus, Ohio March 8-13.
