When Does Hockey Season Start? 2026-27 League Dates

When does hockey season start? For 2026-27, it depends on your league, and the answer covers more than two months. The NHL dropped the puck in late September, the minor leagues follow through October, and the PWHL starts in December. Here's every start date in one place, plus what to wear to each opener.

2026-27 Hockey Season Start Dates at a Glance

NHL: Already Underway

The 2026-27 NHL season opened Tuesday, September 29, and it's the longest regular season in league history: 84 games per team. If you're still putting together your gear for the season, our Back to Hockey: 2026-27 NHL Season Kit lays out the full lineup.

Rep it: NHL collection: tanks, hoodies, tees and more for the teams you follow.

AHL: Underway Since October 2

The American Hockey League opened Friday, October 2, its earliest start since 2009. All 32 teams play 72 games, and the regular season ends April 11, with the Calder Cup playoffs to follow. It's the best value in pro hockey and the place to see your NHL team's future before everyone else does.

Rep it: AHL collection. Not sure which AHL club feeds your NHL team? See the AHL Field Guide.

ECHL: Opens October 16

The ECHL's 39th season starts Friday, October 16, with 30 teams in 24 states and one Canadian province. This season brings an expansion club in New Mexico and the league's return to Trenton, New Jersey.

Rep it: our retro ECHL collection honors classic ECHL clubs like the Trenton Titans, Mobile Mysticks and Johnstown Chiefs. More in our ECHL & Minor League Hockey Gear Guide.

PWHL: Opens December 5

The Professional Women's Hockey League's 2026-27 season begins Saturday, December 5. The league grows to 12 teams with four new clubs, PWHL Detroit, Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose, and plays a league-record 180 regular-season games through April 18.

Rep hockey your way: shop our women's hockey tanks in a racerback cut, XS–3XL, and read our Women's Hockey Apparel guide for fit tips.

Rep Your Country Between Club Games

Club hockey runs all winter, but national pride never goes out of season. Our USA Hockey collection and Nations collection cover the fans who cheer for the flag as hard as for the crest.

What to Wear to Any Opener

Every one of these leagues plays in a cold building, and most of the season runs through the coldest months of the year. The answer is the same at every level: layer it. Tank underneath, tee in the middle, hoodie on top. Take layers off as the crowd warms the building and put them back on for the walk out. Our Hockey Game Layering Guide covers the full system.

Whatever your league, the puck's about to drop. Shop all Bench Clearers hockey apparel →