By Abby Doperak · KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Ice Vols are one week away from the start of the 2026-27 season. After undergoing a complete organization-wide makeo…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Ice Vols are one week away from the start of the 2026-27 season. After undergoing a complete organization-wide makeover throughout the offseason, Tennessee is looking to hit the ground - and ice - running.
While the Ice Vols took a major hit losing four of last year’s seniors, including captain Connor Frazer and alternate captain Kyle Stober, the team has grown in size. Last year’s team had 27 players, while this year’s roster begins with 31.
“I think it is great that there is a lot of talent coming to the University of Tennessee to play hockey,” said President and captain Patrick Green. “Looking forward, it is exciting that the program is continuing to grow.”
Tennessee enters the upcoming season with 20 returning players and 11 new recruits. Among the new additions are three international players, five transfers and four traditional freshmen.
With a growing roster comes growing leadership. The Ice Vols plan to name four captains to help lead the new era alongside head coach Rod Simmons.
Their biggest advantage? Experience.
“I think it is a healthy balance between old and young,” said Green. “I think that is due credit to Coach Simmons and some of his previous connections. His reputation precedes him, so there are a lot of people that have played for him in the past that are really excited about Tennessee as an option with him.”
This season, Tennessee will face nine different teams, including eight SEC opponents, both home and on the road. The Ice Vols will also welcome Miami University of Ohio to Knoxville in November for a commemorative 60 th anniversary game.
Tennessee will see only three teams it faced last season.
The Ice Vols are also slated to participate in the SEC Frozen Showcase in Nashville and the highly anticipated Savannah Classic in Savannah, Ga.
“Everyone looks forward to it [Savannah Classic],” said Green. “They have expanded the tournament too, so it should be exciting, but we still got our same core four of us: Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. It is a powerhouse of a tournament, and there will be no easy games like there might have been in the past.”
With an extra month of practice time compared with other teams, the Ice Vols see their additional preparation as an advantage.
“I think it is very beneficial,” said Green. “I think it is a good thing we are starting a bit later because once we hit the ground running, everyone will be fired up to go.”
The Ice Vols will open the season facing Auburn on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4 at the Knoxville Coliseum. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.