STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (Interstat) — Penn State will open its women’s NCAA Division I hockey season Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, when it hosts Ohio State at Pegula Ice Arena. The game marks the first game of the season for both programs in 2026-27, with each team entering at 0-0.

Ohio State comes off a 5-0 home win over Northeastern on March 20, 2026. The Buckeyes posted a shutout in that contest and will look to carry that form into the new season. Ohio State’s early schedule includes a second game at Penn State on Friday, Sept. 25, before road series at St. Thomas on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3. The Buckeyes then return home to face Wisconsin on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10, travel to Minnesota on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, host Colgate on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, and open a home series against Bemidji State on Oct. 30.

Penn State’s most recent outing was a 4-3 loss at Wisconsin on March 20, 2026. The Nittany Lions will begin a new campaign with a two-game opening weekend series at Pegula Ice Arena, starting with the Sept. 24 meeting against Ohio State and continuing Sept. 25. After that, Penn State hosts Robert Morris on Oct. 2 and Oct. 3, visits Syracuse on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10, returns home for Lindenwood on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17, travels to St. Lawrence on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, and visits RIT on Oct. 30.

The matchup will be the first of two straight games between the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions. Both teams are looking to establish early momentum in what will be a long regular season. Ohio State will aim to build on its last result, while Penn State will seek a stronger start on home ice. The teams will meet again Friday, Sept. 25, at the same venue.

The opener is a nonconference matchup between programs from different conferences. Ohio State will remain in State College for the rematch on Sept. 25 before traveling to St. Thomas. Penn State will stay home for two games against Robert Morris.

Pegula Ice Arena will host the opener. Ohio State and Penn State will each have opportunities to test their depth and special teams before conference play intensifies. The Buckeyes’ October slate includes series against Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colgate and Bemidji State. The Nittany Lions will face Robert Morris, Syracuse, Lindenwood, St. Lawrence and RIT over the same stretch. Both programs will use the opening weekend to evaluate lineup combinations and establish roles.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Penn State 6, Ohio State 5.