SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Three members of the University of Notre Dame hockey program have been named Preseason All-Big Ten, as announced by the conference Monday. Graduate senior Ryan Bischel backstops the First Team honors while seniors Drew Bavaro and Landon Slaggert were recognized as Second Team and Honorable Mention, respectively.
Bischel, an unanimous selection for First Team goaltender, returns to Notre Dame for his fifth season, following a breakout year in net last season which included Big Ten Goaltender of the Year as well as Mike Richter Award Semifinalist honors. Having started all 37 games for the Irish in 2022-23, Bischel finished the season with the second-best save percentage in the nation (.931) and was the nation’s saves leader, registering 1,183 stops between the pipes. The Medina, Minnesota, native was one of two unanimous selections among this season’s honorees.
Bavaro joined the Irish ahead of the 2022-23 season and went on to record 19 points off six goals and 13 assists, finishing fourth among Irish skaters and led all defensemen. The Lakewood Ranch, Florida, native was a force at the blueline in his debut season with the Irish, tallying two goals on the powerplay and two game winning goals in 37 games played.
After finishing his junior season with 14 points behind seven goals and seven assists, L. Slaggert was named a Honorable Mention for 2023-24. Serving as an alternate captain last season, the South Bend local scored the game winner against Ohio State late in the season and appeared in 35 games in 2022-23.
Along with the three honorees, the Irish were voted to finish fourth in the Big Ten standings this season after clinching fourth last season to earn the final home ice spot in the conference playoffs.