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Big Ten hockey formally announces addition of Notre Dame

MiHockey Staff

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By @MichaelCaples –

Yesterday, multiple outlets began reporting that Notre Dame will be joining the Big Ten hockey conference.

Less than 24 hours later, the Big Ten has confirmed the news.

The Fighting Irish will indeed be joining the B1G as a sport affiliate member for men’s ice hockey, beginning in the 2017-18 season.

“Notre Dame hockey has a long history of competing with Big Ten programs and we’re pleased to renew those rivalries as part of conference hockey competition,” said Big Ten Deputy Commissioner Brad Traviolia in a release. “The Big Ten continues to grow the sport of hockey in our conference and the addition of Notre Dame as a sport affiliate assists in that goal.”

Notre Dame is the Big Ten’s third sport affiliate member, joining John Hopkins men’s and women’s lacrosse team.

“While we have enjoyed our affiliation with Hockey East, the opportunity to participate in Big Ten hockey is a compelling one from the perspective of our student-athletes,” said Jack Swarbrick, Notre Dame vice president and James E. Rohr director of athletics, in a release. “The move will significantly reduce the time our team spends traveling, increase the broadcast exposure for our program and allow us to take advantage of the natural rivalries that exist with the Big Ten schools that participate in hockey.”

And a comment from Hockey East, the conference Notre Dame will be leaving to join the Big Ten:

“Hockey East has been a dominant player in college hockey since its inception in 1984,” said Hockey East commissioner Joe Bertagna. “The addition of both Notre Dame and the University of Connecticut enhanced the strength and depth of the league. This weekend, Notre Dame is part of Hockey East’s six-team contingent that is looking to defend the national championship won by Providence College last April in Boston. The college hockey landscape continues to change but one certainty is that Hockey East will remain the premier conference in college hockey for years to come.”