GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The back-to-back Penrose Cup champion University of North Dakota hockey program released the promotional schedule for the upcoming 2021-22 season, as fans are welcomed back to full capacity at Ralph Engelstad Arena.
 
North Dakota will look back one final time at last season's pair of championships, becoming the first team in NCHC history to capture both the regular season and postseason crown, on Oct. 2 in an exhibition contest against Manitoba. Celebrate the start of the new campaign with a raising of the 2021 Penrose Cup banner, fireworks, special pregame entrances and more.
 
A week later, UND and the REA team up for a special recognition of the 20th anniversary since the building became the home of North Dakota hockey in 2001 with a special weekend against Niagara on Oct. 8-9. Adult tickets are just $20 to celebrate the event while Grand Forks Mayor and former UND alum Brandon Bochenski will participate in One Last Shift prior to Saturday's game.
 
The Old West takes over the Ralph on Oct. 16 when Highway 2 rival Bemidji State comes to town, as Medora Night is back. Former U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt and some of his special guests from Medora visit.
 
As the calendar turns to November, North Dakota welcomes conference rival, Denver, on Nov. 5-6 for Salute to Service Weekend. On Friday, UND and the Ralph will honor our local heroes before a special pregame ceremony on Saturday to show respect and gratitude towards our men and women of the military.
 
Another conference rival comes to Grand Forks on Nov. 19-20, with UND taking on Minnesota Duluth as part of Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend. Join the entire hockey community by supporting cancer patients and their families through their battles, as we work to raise money for Altru's Cancer Center in Grand Forks.
 
The month of rivalries concludes over Thanksgiving Weekend with the fiercest rivalry in college hockey, North Dakota and Minnesota. Come to the rink as we celebrate over 90 yards of history between two of the top programs in the sport. Pregame and postgame parties in the Olympic Arena featuring the band Slamabama headline Friday night, while Some Shitty Cover Band takes the stage on Saturday night. UND will also welcome back alum and member of the 1980 USA Olympic Team Dave Christian for One Last Shift.
 
Ring in 2022 at the Ralph when UND takes on the U.S. Under-18 Team at a special 2:37 puck drop on Jan. 1. Bring the whole family with adult tickets starting at just $25 to watch the Fighting Hawks take on some of the game's future stars.
 
UND welcomes Cornell back to Grand Forks for the first time since 2008 on Jan. 7-8 and the kids are taking over on Friday as part of Kid Takeover Night. From coaching to officiating, all the way to announcing, kids will be part of the fun. Saturday night is Scout Night, with scouts, family and friends all welcomed to cheer on the Hawks.
 
Conference play is back on Jan. 14-15 against Omaha and Friday night invites all fans to show off their arms for our annual Teddy Bear Toss Night during the first intermission, with all bears going to local charities. Saturday invites everyone to Rock the Ralph, as Paint The Town will be performing at the Olympic Arena postgame. Both schools will also participate in a special pregame ceremony for former head coach Dean Blais.
 
One of the most famous alums in program history is back for Jan. 28 against St. Cloud State, as Ed Belfour is honored with One Last Shift to honor his 10 years as a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Saturday brings another reunion into the Ralph, as the 1982 UND hockey team returns to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the fourth national championship in program history.
 
With the weather staying cold into February, it's time to think of warmer days ahead with Spring Break Night on Feb. 4 against Colorado College, as UND will be giving away spring break trips to students throughout the game. Saturday brings Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos to the stage before, during and after the game to provide fans with piano playing like you've never seen.
 
Our Jr. Champions members are celebrated in the penultimate home contest against Western Michigan on Feb. 25, with our Jr. Champions Carnival Night. North Dakota closes out the regular season on Saturday night against the Broncos with Fan Appreciation and Senior Night. Fan giveaways and a special tribute to the senior class highlight the night, as UND and the Ralph show our appreciation to the best fans in college hockey.
 
All Friday night contests begin at 7:07 p.m. while Saturdays begin at 6:07 p.m., unless otherwise noted. All promotions are subject to change.
 
For more news on UND hockey, visit FightingHawks.com. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @UNDmhockey.