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Reports: Notre Dame hockey to join Big Ten

MiHockey Staff
Photo by Andrew Knapik/MiHockey
Photo by Andrew Knapik/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

UPDATE: The initial report from USCHO is being confirmed by multiple outlets, including Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune.

The Big Ten may be adding another member to its six-team hockey conference.

Per a tweet from USCHO’s Jimmy Connelly, Notre Dame is set to join the B1G in time for the 2017-18 season.

Notre Dame as an athletic institution has maintained its conference independence throughout major changes in the college landscape. The hockey program currently competes within Hockey East, while the football team has an agreement with the ACC and the basketball team competes in the ACC, as well.

The Fighting Irish used to compete in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association before that conference folded at the conclusion of the 2012-13 season. If ND indeed joins the Big Ten, it would resume in-conference competition with Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State.

Notre Dame plays Michigan Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, as well, so the two clubs will get a head start on renewing their rivalry.