The University of Michigan hockey team, currently ranked No. 1, is set to host Notre Dame in its Big Ten Tournament opener. This match will take place on March 11, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena. This crucial game marks the beginning of the postseason for the Wolverines, who hold a strong overall record of 26 wins, 7 losses, and 1 tie.
Overview of the Matchup
Michigan enters this quarterfinal game as the second seed. The Wolverines have performed exceptionally this season, currently leading the NCAA Percentage Index (RPI). They have maintained the top spot in the national polls for two consecutive weeks after dominating much of the season.
Head-to-Head Record
This season, Michigan has a perfect record against Notre Dame, winning all four encounters and earning 11 of 12 possible points. The Wolverines achieved victories with scores of 5-3 and 2-1 in overtime during their visits to South Bend. They followed this up with decisive wins of 5-2 and 7-4 at Yost Ice Arena in January.
Historical Performance
- All-time series record: Michigan leads 97-71-6.
- Recent meetings: The Wolverines have won 12 of the last 13 matchups.
- Big Ten Tournament record: Michigan is 3-0 against Notre Dame in the tournament.
Key Players to Watch
Senior T.J. Hughes stands out with a total of 18 career points against Notre Dame. Rounding out Michigan’s offensive strategies, junior Garrett Schifsky holds 9 points in 12 games, while junior Nick Moldenhauer has accumulated 8 points in his 12 career meetings with the Fighting Irish.
Team Performance Insights
Michigan’s power play is the best in the nation, converting nearly 30% of opportunities. They have also successfully avoided giving up any short-handed goals throughout the season. In contrast, Notre Dame boasts a competitive power play, ranking fifth with a 27.5% conversion rate.
Last Game Highlights
Before heading into the tournament, Michigan had a bye week during which they hosted an exhibition match against Simon Fraser. T.J. Hughes excelled in this game, securing five points with two goals and three assists.
Player Stats
| Player | Goals | Assists | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| T.J. Hughes | 18 | 29 | 47 |
| Michael Hage | 12 | 33 | 45 |
| Will Horcoff | 22 | 13 | 35 |
As the Wolverines prepare to face Notre Dame, they aim to continue their winning streak in the Big Ten Tournament.
