Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website

Cole Knuble Earns USHL's Curt Hammer Award

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A leader both on and off the ice, Cole Knuble, an incoming freshman for Notre Dame hockey in 2023-24, was named the recipient of the prestigious Curt Hammer Award, as announced by the USHL Tuesday.

The Curt Hammer Award is annually presented to a player who ‘distinguishes himself both on and off the ice through the course of the season by demonstrating outstanding performance, leadership, pride, and determination.’

In 57 games played for the Fargo Force this season, Knuble registered 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points, averaging 1.16 points per game during his second season in North Dakota.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan native finished the season ranked ninth in league scoring, second in the league in shots on goal, and named All-USHL First Team this season.

Outside of the rink, Knuble is heavily involved in his community. He was an active member of the Fargo Force Reading Program while taking the time to volunteer at numerous non-profits around the greater Fargo/Moorhead area. He has also been a key part in growing the sport in Fargo, North Dakota during his time with the Force, spending time at youth practices with the Cullen Force Academy, a program designed to grow the game of hockey.

Five former Irish stars were also recipients of the Curt Hammer Award. Dating back to its inception in 1988-89, Mark Eaton (1996-97), Aaron Gill (1999-00), Cory McLean (2000-01), Christian Hanson (2004-05), and Tory Dello (2015-16) have all been honored with the award prior to their time at Notre Dame.

Knuble is set to join the Irish for the fall semester and is eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.