The 1985–86 NCAA Division III men's ice hockey season began in November 1985 and concluded on March 22 of the following year.
This was the 13th season of Division III college ice hockey.
In 1990 the NCAA ruled that Plattsburgh State had violated regulations by allowing some of their players to reside in houses owned by people invested in the ice hockey program and were provided with some benefits including free housing, free meals and cash loans.
Because these violations occurred between 1985 and 1988 Plattsburgh State's participation in all NCAA games during that time was vacated.
[1] Note: Mini-game are not included in final standings Note: * denotes overtime period(s)Note: † Plattsburgh State's participation in the tournament was later vacated by the NCAA [2] † incoming freshman [3]