NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The ninth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to open their 2022-23 season with an exhibition tilt against the USNTDP U18 team Sunday at 5 p.m. The game will mark the seventh meeting between the two teams in the last eight seasons.
The Irish return 19 letterwinners from the 2021-22 campaign, including three of the top-five scorers from a season ago.
Nick Leivermann was named captain prior to the start of this season, with Trevor Janicke and Landon Slaggert serving as the alternates.
HISTORY VS. THE USNTDP
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The two programs have met 11 times, with the Irish 5-3-2 against the U18 program.
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Last season the Irish hosted the USNTDP for an opening exhibition. Irish senior Solag Bakich had two late goals for Notre Dame as the home team ultimately fell to the visiting U18 team. Three other current skaters highlighted the box score for the Irish in the contest as Justin Janicke scored a goal against his former team while Zach Plucinski and Jack Adams each picked up assists.
USNTDP CONNECTIONS
- Five current players have ties to the USNTDP program. Trevor Janicke, Hunter Strand, Justin Janicke, Ryder Rolston and Landon Slaggert all laced up for the USNTDP prior to joining the Irish.
B1G PRESEASON HONORS
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Two were named to All-Big Ten preseason teams ahead of 2022-23.
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Landon Slaggert was tabbed preseason All-Big Ten First Team following a strong campaign in his sophomore season. The junior from South Bend recorded 12 goals and 26 points last season.
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Nick Leivermann was named All-Big Ten preseason honorable mention. The defenseman led all Irish defensemen last season in points, tied for second on the team with 27 (6-21-27). The graduate student’s 21 assists was a team best in 2021-22.
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The Irish were tabbed to finish second in the league this season, behind Minnesota.
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