WATERLOO, Ont. - The Laurier Golden Hawks will open their 2026-27 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) men's basketball season at home against the defending Wilson Cup champion TMU Bold on October 23, part of a 22-game schedule released Tuesday afternoon.

Laurier enters the campaign looking to build on last season, which saw the Golden Hawks return to the postseason before exiting in the opening round. The team will also play 12 of its 22 regular-season games on home court at the Athletic Complex Gym.

"We're really looking forward to getting this season started," said Laurier head coach and manager of men's basketball operations Cavell Johnson, who is entering his third season at the helm. "Everyone within our program is taking serious initiative to prepare for a big year. As always, non-divisional matchups carry a lot of importance, and I'm looking forward to a handful of those opportunities to start the season - getting them on the road is another plus to sharpening that road warrior mindset.

"It's also nice to see some traditional opponent weekend partners spread out a bit, which can lend to some crucial prep time. All-in-all, there is much work to be done and the work still has to be executed throughout preseason and regular season … But the dawgs are hungry and ready to hunt."

Following their season opener, the Golden Hawks will face an early road stretch, travelling for three consecutive games, including a northern Ontario swing through Northy Bay and Sudbury. Laurier will take on the Nipissing Lakes on October 30 before meeting the Laurentian Voyageurs on October 31.

The Golden Hawks return home on November 6 to face the McMaster Marauders, beginning a stretch that sees Laurier play seven of its next eight games in Waterloo. That run includes a rematch of last season's playoff matchup against the Ottawa Gee-Gees on November 27.

Laurier will host the Carleton Ravens the following night. Carleton advanced to last season's OUA final, setting up another key test during the fall portion of the schedule.

The Golden Hawks close out the term with a matchup against the Algoma Thunderbirds on November 28.

After the calendar turns to 2027, Laurier opens its Battle of Waterloo rivalry series against the Waterloo Warriors on January 8 at the Athletic Complex.

The Golden Hawks swept the two-game season series last year and enter the new campaign riding a 15-game winning streak against their crosstown rivals dating back to 2018. The second meeting is scheduled for February 5 at Carl Totzke Court.

Laurier's regular season concludes with Senior Night on February 13 against the Western Mustangs.

Single-game and season tickets are available at tickets.laurierathletics.com

Fans can view and sync the full schedule by visiting the laurierathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule/2026-27