SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The epitome of a leader both on and off the ice, Ryan Bischel has been named a nominee for the 2024 Hockey Humanitarian Award as announced by the award’s foundation Wednesday. Choosing to forgo a professional opportunity in order to return to Notre Dame for his fifth year, Bischel’s return to the ice has greatly benefitted the University of Notre Dame hockey program this season.
Often noted as the backbone of the program, he became just the third Irish goalie to don a letter in program history, earning the “A” on his jersey earlier this year. Named an alternate captain by his teammates and coaches prior to the start of the season, Bischel’s leadership extends far beyond the confines of the Lefty Smith Rink and Compton Family Ice Arena.
On the ice, his presence can always be felt with one of the nation’s top save percentages for the second consecutive year (.926; 4th nationally) and having started every game for the Irish since the start of 2022-23.
Inside the locker room, Bischel is heavily involved in leadership roles. As one of two fifth-year seniors on the team who have spent the entirety of their careers at Notre Dame he is also a two-year member of the team’s Leadership Council.
Pursuing a graduate degree in non-profit administration, Bischel plans to translate his leadership roles into bettering his community and giving back to those around him. He aspires to one day start his own non-profit and dedicates much of his free time in South Bend to cultivate those community relationships and gain hands on experience.
In the community, Bischel has forged a strong relationship with numerous outreach programs, local businesses and families. Some organizations he has developed strong relationships with include, but are not limited to, Kyle’s Legacy, the Irish Youth Hockey League, Notre Dame’s GLD Center, Notre Dame’s Fight for Life campaign, and Movember.
Before the holiday break, he helped organize the team’s Brighter Christmas event with the GLD Center and other sport representatives, raising money and collecting donations to help families in need with giving gifts ahead of the Christmas season. He has worked closely with the GLD Center throughout his career, participating in various community service events hosted by the department and encouraging his friends and teammates to partake as well.
Back home in Minnesota, Bischel has always had a desire to give back to his community. He spent many years volunteering in his high school years and currently helps his cousin with his non-profit organization – the Push Project – during the off season with hopes of eventually serving as part of the charity’s board once he’s out of school.
The Irish have had two Hockey Humanitarian Finalists in program history with Cal Burke being recognized for his efforts in 2019-20 and Anders Bjork in 2016-17.