Notre Dame hockey is off to a great start with last week’s win, as the Irish prepare to compete in the Ice Breaker Tournament this weekend. Notre Dame will travel to Tempe, Arizona, to play tournament hosts No. 15 Arizona State University on Friday, Oct. 10 at 10 p.m. EST. Based on the first two games, Notre Dame will play No. 8 Quinnipiac University or University of Alaska-Fairbanks in game two Saturday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.
The Ice Breaker Tournament has taken place at the beginning of the season for Division I teams since its creation by the Hockey Commissioners Association in 1997, providing an opportunity for top teams to compete in fast-paced early-season tournament. Notre Dame has made six appearances in the tournament, winning it twice in 2012 and 2018. Teams rotate each year, based on previous seasons and scheduling availability, and this year will be the first time the Irish have competed since 2022.
Arizona State won the tournament in 2024, and they had a strong season last year. They finished with a 21-14-2 record and were eliminated in the Frozen Faceoff Semifinal by No. 3 Denver. Their 2025-26 season began last week with two losses to No. 4 Penn State. The Sun Devils were low-scoring in both games, and their power play production struggled against high level competition. Notre Dame will need to capitalize on offensive opportunities and ensure their power play can continue scoring in order to advance in the tournament.
Depending on the results of the first two games, between Notre Dame and Arizona State, and Quinnipiac and Alaska-Fairbanks, Notre Dame will play Quinnipiac or Alaska-Fairbanks. Per tournament format, the winners from game one and game two will play one another in the championship game Saturday.
Alaska-Fairbanks also lost their first two games of the season to Minnesota Duluth at home. In both games, the Nanooks only scored two goals. Their offense has been struggling to produce, but their defense has been a strength for the team. If Notre Dame ends up playing them, the Irish must make smart shots and not rely on rebounds, because Alaska-Fairbanks has a tendency to shut down opportunities in the crease.
Quinnipiac University started their season off with a win, beating No. 11 Boston College 4-3. Their offense was stellar, and they put up many shots. If Notre Dame meets them during the tournament, the goaltending tandem will need to work alongside defensemen to shut down the Bobcat offensive line.
After the exhibition victory against the United States National Team Development Program Under-18s last week, the Irish have a clean slate to build on for this season’s standings, as they prepare for success at the Ice Breaker Tournament. Based on last season’s trend, the Irish need to prioritize scoring consistently throughout the game to add some comfort to the scoreboard, and to keep penalties to a minimum. This Notre Dame team has a strong core, and the Ice Breaker Tournament is the perfect opportunity to continue the success they have fought for this season.
