Collegiate men’s ice hockey is officially returning to downtown Newark. Prudential Center has announced the inaugural Hockey Knight in Jersey, a marquee matchup featuring the Army Black Knights and the Penn State Nittany Lions scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 10.
The high-profile clash marks the first time NCAA Division I men’s hockey will be played at the Prudential Center since the 2014 Liberty Hockey Invitational. The game will serve as an athletic anchor for a massive weekend of collegiate sports in New Jersey, arriving just two days before the historic 127th annual Army-Navy football game at MetLife Stadium.
“We are honored to welcome collegiate hockey back to Prudential Center for the inaugural Hockey Knight in Jersey featuring Army hosting Penn State,” Dylan Wanagiel, vice president of Sports Properties and Special Events for Prudential Center/HBSE said. “With college hockey being the latest addition to our thriving sports and entertainment programming portfolio, Prudential Center continues to take great pride in delivering a diverse array of event programming to our community.”
Both programs enter the matchup boasting recent postseason success. Penn State arrives in Newark under head coach Guy Gadowsky following a 21-14-2 campaign and an appearance in the 2026 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, building on the momentum of their historic first-ever Frozen Four appearance in 2025.
Army enters the second season under head coach Zach McKelvie, returning reigning Atlantic Hockey America Goaltender of the Year and All-AHA First Team selection JJ Cataldo as the Black Knights look to make a statement on a national stage.
“Whenever you have the opportunity to bring together two outstanding college hockey programs in a venue like Prudential Center, it’s a win for everyone involved,” Gadowsky said. “We have a tremendous following throughout New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area, so we’re excited to give those fans another opportunity to see us compete.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 12:00 PM EST via Ticketmaster.com and Prudential Center’s box office. Group experiences for parties of 10 or more can be coordinated by contacting 973-757-6000 or emailing [email protected], while premium seating options are available at prucenter.com/premium.
