The Lindenwood University women's ice hockey team has announced its 2011-12 schedule, opening the season with a two-game series at the University of Wisconsin, the defending NCAA National Champions.

The Lady Lions will play 22 games in 2011-12 against NCAA Division I competition, starting with the Badgers on Sept. 23 and 25 in Madison, Wisc. Wisconsin is the premier collegiate hockey program with four NCAA titles since 2006.

“We are very honored and excited that Coach Johnson and his staff opened up their schedule to host us in our inaugural season,” said Lindenwood head coach Vince O'Mara. “It is a great opportunity for our University, staff, and team to see what it takes to be the best.”

Lindenwood has five other games against teams that were ranked in the top 10 in the nation last year. Its first home games against NCAA teams will take place on Oct. 28-29 against Mercyhurst College, a NCAA Tournament participant last season. The Lady Lions will also travel to Mercyhurst for two games and will have one game at the University of North Dakota, a team ranked No. 9 at the end of last season in the two major polls.

The Lady Lions' other home series against an NCAA team will be Nov. 12-13 against Robert Morris University (Pa.). Lindenwood also will be on the road for two-game sets at Minnesota State University-Mankato, Robert Morris, Colgate University, Syracuse University, Sacred Heart University, and Saint Michael's College, with a single game at Bemidji State.

Rounding out Lindenwood's schedule are seven road games against NCAA Division III programs, and five exhibition home games against former ACHA opponents Robert Morris College (Ill.) and Grand Valley State University.

“Overall we are very pleased with our schedule,” said O'Mara. “It is going to be a very tough season not only with making the jump to NCAA DI status, but also with the number of away games we have. It is a steep hill to climb, but one we are looking forward to climbing together.”

Lindenwood has competed in the ACHA since the start of the program in 2003. The Lady Lions had a record of 241-26-9 in that span and won four national championships in 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Lindenwood University is entering its second year of NCAA candidacy. Once the three-year membership process is complete, Lindenwood will be a full-fledged member of NCAA Division II. However, women's hockey will compete at the highest level of women's collegiate hockey since the sport is not sponsored in Division II.