By: Gwyneth Passinault
TEMPE, Ariz. – The University of Notre Dame hockey team kicks off their 2025-26 regular season slate with a trip to Tempe, Arizona to face off against Arizona State (Fri., Oct. 10) and Quinnipiac/Alaska (Sat., October 11) in the annual IceBreaker Tournament.
While Notre Dame and Arizona State have faced off six times in program history, this weekend brings something new. It will be the first ever meeting between the two teams held outside of Compton Family Ice Arena. Their most recent clashes came during the 2020-21 season, when the Sun Devils joined the Big Ten as honorary members during the COVID-shortened campaign. The teams split a competitive four-game series that season, leaving Notre Dame with a 4-2-0 all-time edge. The history between the two programs dates back to 2016-17, when the Irish claimed their first win over the Sun Devils in dominant fashion, leading to a 9-2 victory.
The Irish will return to action on Saturday to close out tournament play, with their opponent still to be determined. The matchup could bring a first-ever meeting with Quinnipiac or a familiar face in Alaska, a longtime rival with ties to Notre Dame’s hockey history.
The Irish and Nanooks have met 65 times, though only once before on neutral ice which was a 1990-91 showdown in Anchorage. Notre Dame holds a 34-27-4 advantage in the all-time series. Most recently, the teams met a season ago in South Bend, splitting the two games. In the opener, the Irish earned a 4-1 win behind standout performances from Henry Nelson, with a goal and an assist, and Cole Knuble, who posted a multi-point night with a goal and a power-play helper.
As Sheahan leads his alma mater into his first game behind the bench, the Irish will look to a new opportunity for a strong start to the season. With a potential first-time matchup and a long-standing rivalry on deck, the weekend promises an early glimpse into what’s ahead for the Irish in 2025-26.
SERIES OVERVIEW
Opponent: Arizona State (Fri.) | Quinnipiac/Alaska (Sat.)
Location: Tempe, Ariz.
Schedule: Fri. 10pm ET | Sat. 6pm ET
TV: Fox-10 KUTP (Fri.) | NCHC.tv (Both Games)
Live Stats: FightingIrish.com
Radio: fightingirish.com/radioaffiliates/
Game Notes: Notre Dame