ECHL: Opening Weekend 2025–26 — Hockey Is Back

Friday, October 17 — Eight Games

Opening Night packs eight matchups across the league, setting the tone for a season full of storylines and rivalries.

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits open their season at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, hosting the Utah Grizzlies in front of what’s sure to be a fired-up crowd for Opening Night presented by Bon Secours. Greenville will look to build early chemistry before hosting South Carolina on Sunday.

In Trois-Rivières, Quebec, the defending Kelly Cup champion Lions raise their banner and begin their title defense against the Reading Royals at Colisée Vidéotron. Fans will celebrate one more time before the focus shifts to repeating last year’s success.

The Kansas City Mavericks, last season’s Western Conference champs, open their year against the Rapid City Rush at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri — the first of two weekend meetings between the clubs.

The Iowa Heartlanders start strong at home, facing the Tulsa Oilers at Xtream Arena in Coralville. It’s the first half of a two-game weekend series that will give fans an early glimpse of the Heartlanders’ potential.

Down south, the Savannah Ghost Pirates bring the noise to Enmarket Arena, hosting the Norfolk Admirals as the team kicks off its fourth ECHL season.

In Orlando, the Solar Bears drop the puck on their 14th campaign, welcoming longtime rival Florida Everblades to the Kia Center for the first leg of their home-and-home series.

The Indy Fuel light up the Fishers Event Center for their second season in their new home, taking on the Fort Wayne Komets in front of what’s expected to be another packed house.

Out west, the Tahoe Knight Monsters return for their second season, hosting the Idaho Steelheads at Tahoe Blue Event Center. Hockey by the lake is back, and fans are ready for another year of high-altitude excitement.

Saturday, October 18 — 11 Games

Saturday brings 11 games across the league — a full slate of rivalries, new faces, and milestone moments.

The Atlanta Gladiators open their season at Gas South Arena in Duluth, hosting the Utah Grizzlies in a home opener that sets the stage for a two-game weekend series.

The Bloomington Bison, entering their second ECHL season, welcome the Iowa Heartlanders to Grossinger Motors Arena. After a solid debut year, Bloomington is looking to take the next step.

Florida fans get another dose of the South Division rivalry as the Everblades and Solar Bears wrap up their back-to-back at Hertz Arena. Expect intensity, big hits, and plenty of emotion as both teams chase their first win of the season.

Savannah keeps the energy rolling with a second straight night at Enmarket Arena, this time hosting the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in what’s quickly become one of the division’s most entertaining matchups.

In North Charleston, the South Carolina Stingrays make their season debut at North Charleston Coliseum, hosting the Norfolk Admirals. With a lineup blending returning leaders and new talent, the Stingrays aim to reestablish their defensive edge early.

Old-school hockey takes over Kalamazoo, where the Wings face off against the Fort Wayne Komets at Wings Event Center — a rivalry that rarely disappoints.

Kansas City and Rapid City square off again in Independence as the Mavericks look to close their two-game series with another strong performance.

The Worcester Railers launch their home slate at DCU Center against the Maine Mariners, marking the first of two back-to-back matchups between the North Division foes.

In Wichita, the Thunder make their season debut at INTRUST Bank Arena, hosting the Allen Americans in front of a fired-up home crowd.

Greensboro steps into the spotlight with its inaugural ECHL game at First Horizon Coliseum, hosting the Jacksonville Icemen. It’s a historic night for “Tournament Town,” marking the return of professional hockey to the Triad for the first time in decades.

Tahoe continues its home weekend against Idaho, giving fans another chance to experience ECHL action framed by Lake Tahoe’s one-of-a-kind backdrop.

Sunday, October 19 — Six Games

Six games close out Opening Weekend, bringing the first round of back-to-backs to a close.

The Atlanta Gladiators and Utah Grizzlies face off again at Gas South Arena, giving local fans another afternoon of hockey to wrap up the weekend.

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits return to home ice to meet the South Carolina Stingrays, adding another early chapter to one of the South Division’s most consistent rivalries.

In Coralville, the Iowa Heartlanders and Tulsa Oilers finish their two-game series at Xtream Arena, while the Worcester Railers host the Adirondack Thunder in a Sunday matinee to close out their divisional doubleheader.

Greensboro caps off its historic opening weekend with another home matchup against the Jacksonville Icemen, giving fans a second dose of Gargoyles hockey in as many days.

And out west, Tahoe wraps up its three-game series with Idaho, as the Knight Monsters aim to give fans one last show before the weekend comes to a close.

Weekend Storylines to Watch

All eyes are on Greensboro, where the Gargoyles officially join the ECHL and bring pro hockey back to the Triad for the first time in more than two decades. It’s a moment years in the making — and one fans in North Carolina won’t soon forget.

In Quebec, the Trois-Rivières Lions celebrate their Kelly Cup championship before turning the page toward a new season, one where the target on their backs will be bigger than ever.

Out west, the Tahoe Knight Monsters return for their second season of hockey by the lake, offering fans one of the league’s most scenic backdrops and an atmosphere that feels unlike any other.

Meanwhile, the Indy Fuel continue to settle into their second season inside the Fishers Event Center, a modern home that’s quickly become one of the most energetic venues in the league.

Add in fierce South Division rivalries in Florida and Georgia, plus 14 teams opening on home ice, and this weekend doesn’t just start the season — it sets the tone for what’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting ECHL years yet.ff their three-game weekend series — ending Opening Weekend with another dose of high-altitude hockey in one of the league’s most unique settings.

The next seven months will bring overtime thrillers, mid-season call-ups, outdoor games, and rivalry nights that test every roster’s depth.

But for now, the focus is simple: clean sheets, fresh ice, and believing this could be the year.

The puck is down.

The chase begins.

Source: ECHL Official Schedule