Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Ice Hockey
When it comes to ice hockey, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Ice Hockey team is one of the most celebrated in the NCAA. With a history that spans over several decades, the team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. From exceptional players to world-class coaches, the Fighting Irish have seen it all. This comprehensive article explores the history, achievements, and notable players of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Ice Hockey team.
History
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Ice Hockey team was founded in 1968. The team started playing in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) in 1992 and then moved to the Hockey East Conference in 2013. Since then, the Fighting Irish have made quite an impact on the sport, consistently ranking high in the NCAA standings.
Achievements and Championships
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Ice Hockey team has made it to the NCAA Tournament 15 times in their history. The Fighting Irish have also won 2 conference championships and have been crowned regular-season champions 5 times. In addition, the team has gone on to win the Mason Cup twice and the Big East Conference title once.
In 2017, the Fighting Irish made it to the Frozen Four but lost in the semi-finals to the eventual champions, Denver. Despite the loss, it was a remarkable achievement for the team to make it that far.
Notable Players
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Ice Hockey team has produced a number of notable players who have gone on to have successful careers in the sport. One such player is Anders Lee, who was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2009. Other notable players include T.J. Tynan, Mario Lucia, and Thomas Di Pauli.
Coaching Staff
The current head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Ice Hockey team is Jeff Jackson. Jackson has been the head coach since 2005 and has led the team to numerous successful seasons. With over 30 years of coaching experience, Jackson has proven to be a valuable asset to the Fighting Irish.
Records and Rankings
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Ice Hockey team has consistently ranked high in the NCAA standings. In the 2017-2018 season, the Fighting Irish were ranked in the top 20 for most of the season, finishing the season with a ranking of 16th. The team currently holds a record of 759-565-117.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men’s Ice Hockey team has had a long and successful history in the NCAA. With numerous achievements and notable players, the Fighting Irish have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Under the guidance of head coach Jeff Jackson, the team is sure to continue their success in the years to come.