Oregon Opens Fifth ACHA Division 1 Season With Roster Depth on the Rise

The Ducks enter 2026-27 coming off their first winning record at the Division 1 level, returning most of their core after losing two seniors.

Oregon's hockey program kicked off its fifth campaign at the ACHA Division 1 level this past weekend with a series against Colorado. The team arrives on the heels of a milestone year, having recorded 10 victories and posted a winning record at the division for the first time. The aim for 2026-27 is to keep that trajectory heading upward.

Two departures create holes: former captain Jackson Henningsgard, a top-six forward who paced the club in scoring last season, and top-four defenseman Hunter Voyles. Both graduated as seniors. Outside of that pair, nearly every other significant contributor is back, including all three goaltenders — junior George Serbin and sophomores Thomas Cafarelli and Finn Wilson. A year ago, eight of the ten most important skaters were sophomores or younger, and every one of them returns.

Head coach Hyman added nine newcomers — six forwards and three defensemen — pushing the roster to 28 players: 17 forwards, eight defensemen and three goalies. Since teams typically dress only 12 forwards, six defensemen and two goalies, the Ducks carry more depth than in past seasons. That surplus could allow the staff to run one lineup in tougher matchups and another built around development in games Oregon is favored to win.

The schedule features 12 home dates at the Rink Exchange in Eugene plus the Bend Outdoor Classic on January 15 and 16. With the juniors on this roster being the first recruiting class to spend a full college career at the Division 1 level, the program's recruiting pitch has strengthened accordingly.