DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque men's hockey team will host the 2026 Key City Collegiate Classic presented by Island Social on Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31. This invite-only tournament features four programs from across the region as each squad begins its season on the ice.

Opening-round play begins Friday afternoon as Augsburg takes on No. 3 Aurora at 3:00 pm (CT), followed by host Dubuque battling UW-Stevens Point at 7:00 pm (CT). On Saturday, the non-winning teams will meet in the consolation matchup at 3:00 pm (CT), while the two opening-round winners clash for the tournament crown at 7:00 pm (CT). All four games will be contested at ImOn Arena in Dubuque.

Dubuque Spartans
Head Coach: Seamus Gregory (4th season)
2025–26 Record: 6-17-2 overall (3-13-2 NCHA)

The Spartans enter their fourth season as a varsity program continuing their steady upward trajectory under head coach Seamus Gregory. Coming off a 2025–26 campaign where they notched six victories, which was a five-win improvement from the 2024-25 season. Dubuque brings back a seasoned core primed to challenge for a spot in the NCHA Harris Cup Playoffs. Junior Zach Burfoot returns as the Spartans leading scorer after notching 24 points (9G, 15A). Sophomore Dazza Mitchell returns to hold down the crease after making 12 starts a season ago and posting four victories.

Augsburg Auggies
Head Coach: Zach Stepan (1st season)
2025–26 Record: 7-15-3 overall (4-10-2 MIAC)

Zach Stepan takes over as head coach for the 2026-27 season after spending the past decade coaching in junior hockey, most recently with the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League. Stepan begins his first season leading the Auggies with the task of returning the program to contention in the MIAC. The Auggies struggled down the stretch last season, winning just two of their final 10 games. Junior Connor Schneider returns to lead Augsburg after scoring 24 points (7G, 17A) last year. Senior Alex Timmons will lead the defensive efforts in goal after posting a 2.53 goals-against average and a 4-7-2 record a season ago.

Aurora Spartans
Head Coach: Jason Bloomingburg (11th season)
2025–26 Record: 25-6-1 overall (13-4-1 NCHA)

Aurora arrives in Dubuque as one of the elite powerhouses in Division III hockey following a historic 25-win campaign. Guided by head coach Jason Bloomingburg in his 11th year at the helm, the Spartans reached the 2026 NCHA Harris Cup final before making a deep postseason run all the way to the NCAA Division III Semifinals.

UW-Stevens Point Pointers
Head Coach: Tyler Krueger (9th season)
2025–26 Record: 12-13-2 overall (6-8-1 WIAC)

The Pointers dropped a 1-0 decision in the WIAC tournament semifinals to end last season. Head coach Tyler Krueger enters his 10th season leading the Pointers. During his tenure, UW-Stevens Point has won six WIAC regular-season titles and has remained a regular presence in the national Division III conversation. Junior Nico Chmelevski returns to the lead the offense after accumulating 22 points (9G, 13A) a season ago.