Michigan Dominates Notre Dame in Penalty-Filled Season Sweep
In an intense and penalty-laden matchup, the No. 1-ranked University of Michigan ice hockey team triumphed over Notre Dame with a score of 7-4. This victory, held on January 10 at Yost Ice Arena, marked Michigan’s dominance in their recent rivalry, winning 12 of the last 13 encounters against the Fighting Irish.
Key Players Shine for Michigan
Freshman Aidan Park had a standout performance, scoring two goals and contributing three points. Teammate Garrett Schifsky matched this effort with his own two-goal game. In goal, Stephen Peck entered the game in the second period, making 18 saves to earn his first collegiate victory.
- Aidan Park: 2 Goals, 3 Points
- Garrett Schifsky: 2 Goals
- Stephen Peck: 18 Saves, 1st Collegiate Win
Game Summary
The match started strong for Michigan, with Park opening the scoring just 2:26 into the first period. This goal was a result of a well-coordinated play involving Asher Barnett and Schifsky. However, Notre Dame equalized at 1-1 shortly thereafter with a powerful one-timer from a deep puck battle.
Park soon gave Michigan the lead again by netting his second goal of the evening at 16:39. The Wolverines ended the first period ahead 2-1, with each team totaling 11 shots on goal.
Power Play Opportunities
In the second period, the Wolverines capitalized on a power play opportunity just nine seconds after a penalty from Notre Dame. Michael Hage scored to extend the lead to 3-1. However, Michigan’s starting goaltender, Jack Ivankovic, was injured shortly after, requiring Peck to step in as relief.
- Period Two:
- Michigan leads 3-1 after Hage’s goal.
- Peck entered as goalie in place of Ivankovic.
Scoring Continues
Despite the goaltending change, Michigan was able to maintain its offensive pressure. Schifsky scored another goal, bringing the game’s score to 4-2, with Nick Moldenhauer adding a fifth goal later in the period. The Wolverines ended the second frame up 5-3, even though Notre Dame led in shots.
Capping Off the Match
In the third period, Notre Dame narrowed the gap to 5-4. Nevertheless, Michigan quickly responded as Schifsky found the net again, making the score 6-4. Tyler Duke assisted in a breakaway play, allowing Jayden Perron to seal the game with a final goal, concluding the match at 7-4.
The game was tumultuous, with a total of 173 penalty minutes assessed to both teams. Michigan outshot Notre Dame 39-34 and led in faceoffs 33-30.
Next Matches Ahead
With this win, Michigan improved their overall season record to 18-4-0, including a 9-3-0 standing in the Big Ten. Following this series, the team will travel to Minnesota for a weekend series on January 16-17, with both games available for streaming on B1G+.
