By: Gwyneth Passinault
PLYMOUTH, Mich. – The University of Notre Dame Hockey team kicks off the 2025-26 season with a trip up to Plymouth to take on the US National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in this year’s exhibition game on Friday night, October 3. The puck is set to drop at 7:05pm to face the U18 program as the two teams square off for the 12th time in program history.
This weekend’s matchup brings in a familiar test. The Irish and USNTDP have clashed 11 times previously, with Notre Dame holding a slight 5-4-2 edge. Last season the Irish hosted the U18’s, earning themselves a 5-2 victory. Three current players obtained a goal in the contest.
The Notre Dame/USNTDP history runs steady as a total of 57 alumni of the program have laced up their skates to play for the Irish and this year’s roster features 10. Freshman Will Belle skated with the U18s last season, with fellow freshman Charlie Pardue spending time with the program as well from 2022-24. Sophomore Nicholas Kempf, juniors Brennan Ali, Maddox Fleming, Cole Knuble, Paul Fischer, Danny Nelson, Carter Slaggert, and graduate forward Sutter Muzzatti are all alums of the development program as well.
The Irish head into the season under new direction in first-time Catalino Family Head Hockey Coach Brock Sheahan with 16 returnees and 10 fresh faces, including three transfers. The team welcomes a rookie class of seven featuring three nationalities and, for the first time in program history, alumni of the Ontario Hockey League following the NCAA’s ruling to allow Canadian Hockey league players into college hockey.
In Notre Dame’s current lineup, the NHL credentials run deep. Eight players have heard their name called on draft day, including the most recent selection of Belle by the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking the 99th individual in program history to be drafted. Other notable draft picks include Ali, D. Nelson, Knuble, Fischer, Muzzati, Cole Brown, and Kempf.
This season, fans can view line charts for home games online at fightingirish.com/HKYLineCharts. Lines will be posted online approximately 90 minutes before puck drop (timing subject to change).
SERIES OVERVIEW
Opponent: USNTDP U18 Team
Location: Plymouth, Mich. | USA Hockey Arena
Schedule: Fri. 7:05pm
TV: usahockeytv.com
Live Stats: FightingIrish.com
Radio: fightingirish.com/radioaffiliates/
Game Notes: Notre Dame | USNTDP