The 1980–81 Yale Bulldogs men's ice hockey team represented Yale University in the 1980–81 NCAA Division I men's ice hockey season. The team is coached by Tim Taylor, his fifth season behind the bench at Yale. The Bulldogs play their home games at Ingalls Rink on the campus of Yale University, competing in the ECAC. The Bulldogs posted a regular season record of 13 wins, 12 losses, and 1 tie. Despite finishing 2nd in the Ivy Region of the ECAC Conference, Yale didn't qualify for the postseason.