Chicago Wolves add new opponents to 2024-25 schedule alongside familiar opponents

The Chicago Wolves announced the American Hockey League schedule for the 2024-25 season on Thursday.

The franchise’s 31st season will consist of 72 games, beginning with the home opener against the Milwaukee Admirals on Oct. 12 at Allstate Arena.

Under new coach Cam Abbott, the Wolves are seeking their sixth championship and first since reuniting with NHL affiliate Carolina Hurricanes on May 2.

The season opener is one of 12 games against Milwaukee this season, equal to the number of games scheduled against another Central Division rival, the Rockford IceHogs.

Additionally, the Wolves will take on the Coachella Valley Firebirds for the first time in franchise history. Chicago travels to Palm Springs, California, for back-to-back games Jan. 11-12 and hosts the Firebirds at Allstate Arena March 29-30.

Other highlights of the 2024-25 schedule include games between the Wolves and the two-time reigning Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears, the first matchup between the teams since 2005. Chicago and Hershey will face off in Pennsylvania on Oct. 19-20 and at Allstate Arena on March 15-16.

Additionally, the Wolves will face the Bakersfield Condors for the first time since the 2017-18 season. The games will be played on January 18-19 at Allstate Arena and on February 7-8 in California.

“We’re excited to welcome the Coachella Valley Firebirds, Bakersfield Condors and Hershey Bears to our home slate this year, and we’re always excited to reignite our rivalries with Rockford, Milwaukee and Grand Rapids,” said Jon Sata, Wolves president of business operations. “In total, we’ll have 10 opponents from across North America visiting Allstate Arena this season, adding more parity to our schedule that our fans have been asking for.”

The Wolves will play eight Central Division opponents Texas, Manitoba, Iowa and Grand Rapids and have four meetings with Cleveland.