NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Often deemed the last line of defense, and the nation’s current leader in saves, Ryan Bischel has been named a finalist for both Goaltender and Player of the Year, as announced by the Big Ten Conference Wednesday.
“Ryan is the backbone of our team,” head coach Jeff Jackson mentioned of the finalist recognition. “He’s had a great year and given our team a chance to win every night. His growth, both emotionally and as a goaltender, has been phenomenal over the last few seasons.”
The senior netminder started all 37 games for the Irish in 2022-23, boasting a 16-16-5 record while finishing with a .931 season save percentage. His 1,183 saves led all collegiate netminders while his .934 save percentage through the conclusion of the regular season was a nation’s best among DI goaltenders. Bischel’s five shutouts on the season was tied for fifth.
In regular season conference play, Bischel posted a .938 save percentage in 1,443:18 minutes played, leading the Big Ten in both categories. He led his team to home-ice in the conference tournament following a 2-0-2 record in the final weeks of the regular season, clinching 10 of a possible 12 points in the undefeated stretch with a pair of series over top-10 teams in Ohio State and Michigan.
Bischel etched his name in the record book in 2022-23 as his season save count ranks second all-time at ND behind Lance Madson (1,288) in 1988-89. His final save percentage was second-best in program history, behind Cale Morris and Dylan St. Cyr, both of whom he split time between the pipes with during his first two seasons. His 2,182:51 total minutes played also ranks among the top-10 in Irish history.
The Minnesota native was recently named a semifinalist for the Mike Richter Award, presented annually to the top DI goaltender. A four-time Big Ten player of the week honoree, Bischel has also been nominated for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
“He’s earned and deserves this recognition as one of the best college hockey players, and goaltenders, in the country,” Coach Jackson concluded.
Winners will be announced by the conference on March 14.
B1G Player of the Year Finalists
Luke Hughes, D, Michigan
Matthew Knies, F, Minnesota
Ryan Bischel, G, Notre Dame
B1G Goaltender of the Year Finalists
Justen Close, Minnesota
Ryan Bischel, Notre Dame
Jakub Dobeš, Ohio State