NOTRE DAME, Ind. – For the first time since 2017-18, an Irish goaltender has been recognized among the nation’s best with Ryan Bischel being named a semifinalist for the Mike Richter Award, given annually to the top goalie in men’s NCAA Division I hockey, the Hockey Coaches Association announced Wednesday.
“This is well deserved recognition for Ryan,” head coach Jeff Jackson said of the honor. “I am extremely proud of him for his performance, on and off the ice, during his career at Notre Dame.”
The senior from Medina, Minnesota has earned the nod in net for all 32 Irish contests this season, posting a 14-14-3 record while leading the nation in saves with 1,015.
Last weekend Bischel became the first collegiate netminder to surpass 1,000 saves this season, registering save No. 1,000 partway through the third period to help force the overtime session in Notre Dame’s shootout victory over Ohio State. In his senior night game, Bischel recorded 50 saves through three periods and overtime, before casting aside seven shots in a nine-round shootout to secure the victory.
With a season save percentage of .930, Bischel currently ranks third nationally and leads all conference foes.
“This year he has taken his game to another level and has been the backbone of our team, giving us a chance to win every game,” Jackson concluded.
Two Irish goaltenders have previously been named semifinalists for the Mike Richter Award, including Cal Petersen (2017) and Cale Morris (2018 & 2019).