The Irish dropped the first game of the series on the road against the Gophers
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey team, who have struggled with consistency most of this season, are on the road this weekend against the #3 ranked Minnesota Gophers. So when the Irish scored first in the opening game they were feeling confident, and then Minnesota exploded for five goals in the first period and that’s all they needed for the win.
Game Summary
First Period
Notre Dame needed just four minutes to take the lead on Friday night with Paul Fischer scoring his second goal of the season. Fischer skated into the offensive zone around the outside of the faceoff circle. He took a shot that was initially saved by goaltender Nathan Airey but it trickled behind him without anybody noticing and sat in the crease. Fischer, who followed up the shot by continuing to skate towards the net was able to pounce on the loose puck behind the goaltender and poke it home.
A media timeout gives us the perfect opportunity to rewind to @_paulfischer7‘s second of the year (and second in as many games )! #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/rB0tmdtb9n
— Notre Dame Hockey (@NDHockey) January 18, 2025
From there though Minnesota took control. They pounced on Nicholas Kempf and scored five goals on 24 shots in the remainder of the period, including two by Jimmy Snuggerud. Those goals chased Kempf from the game and Owen Say came out to start the second period.
Second Period
The Irish defense looked much better in the second period, holding Minnesota to only 10 shots and no goals. The Irish only managed 6 shots of their own in the period though to go with 5 in the first. One of those Notre Dame shots though was the first career goal by Jimmy Jurcev. Justin Janicke carried the puck behind the Gopher net and passed it to Cole Knuble in the high slot. Knuble was surrounded by defenders and found an open Jurcev at the top of the left faceoff circle. Jurcev released a quick shot that found it’s way into the net.
SAVE THAT PUCK
Here’s a look back at @Jurcev88‘s first with the Gold and Blue ✨#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/QzFzhCzOsT
— Notre Dame Hockey (@NDHockey) January 18, 2025
Third Period
Despite trailing Notre Dame managed only 4 shots in the third period and never really threatened any type of comeback. The first period onslaught carried Minnesota all game and they easily held on for the win.
Scoring
ND: Paul Fischer (2) at 4:02 in the 1st assisted by Axel Kumlin
MINN: Jimmy Snuggerud (13) at4:24 in the 1st assisted by Erik Pahlsson
MINN: Cal Thomas (1) at 8:43 in the 1st assisted by Luke Mittlestadt and Aaron Huglen
MINN: John Mittlestadt (3) at 9:12 in the 1st assisted by Beckett Hendrickson and Mike Koster
MINN: Jimmy Snuggerud (14) at 17:50 in the 1st assisted by Mike Koster
MINN: Mason Nevers (3) at 18:04 in the 1st assisted by Beckett Hendrickson
ND: Jimmy Jurcev (1) at 6:35 in the 2nd assisted by Cole Knuble and Justin Janicke
Penalties
ND: Hunter Strand 2 for slashing at 12:45 in the 1st
ND: Jack Larrigan 2 for boarding at 2:07 in the 2nd
MINN: Brody Lamb 2 for interference at 2:38 in the 2nd
Goalies
ND: Nicholas Kempf allowed 5 goals on 24 shots in the loss
ND: Owen Say saved all 22 shots he faced on relief
MINN: Nathan Airey made 13 saves on 15 shots for the win
Up Next
Game two between Minnesota and Notre Dame on Saturday, The Irish will be looking to salvage a series split but it won’t be an easy task.