NOTRE DAME, Ind. – With National Signing Day concluded, the University of Notre Dame hockey program has announced the commitments of five future Irish icers, including three forwards and two defensemen. The forward group consists of Cole Knuble, Danny Nelson and Carter Slaggert while Paul Fischer and Drew Mackie join the team at the blue line. Hailing from five unique states, the incoming class is poised to make an immediate impact on the Notre Dame squad.
Fischer joins the Notre Dame team from the USNTDP. In two seasons with the National Team, the blueliner has skated in 118 contests, tallying 11 goals and 29 assists for 40 career points. Prior to his stint with the USNTDP, the River Forest, Illinois, native skated for his native Chicago Mission.
A western Michigan native, Knuble most recently dressed for the Fargo Force of the USHL. The forward joins the Irish following a stint in North Dakota that includes 18 points in just 14 games played thus far in 2022-23 (10-8-18). Prior to his time in Fargo, Knuble spent time as a member of the USNTDP U17 and U18 teams.
Mackie is currently in his fourth season at Shattuck St. Mary’s. The Anchorage, Alaska native has laced up his skates in 162 contests at SSM, accumulating 113 points in his high school career. Now competing for their 18U Prep team, the 6-0 defenseman has six assists thus far in 2022-23.
Hailing from Maple Grove, Minnesota, Nelson has spent the past two seasons as a member of the USNTDP. The 6-2 forward has appeared in 44 contests with the National Team, registering 26 goals and 17 assists, averaging just under a point per game. Nelson also spent part of the 2021-22 season with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, lacing up his skates in five career contests with the Gamblers.
A South Bend native, Slaggert will return to the area following a two-year career with the USNTDP. With the U17 and U18 teams, Slaggert owns 23 career points off 10 goals and 13 assists. Prior to his stint with the national team, the 5-9 forward competed with the Chicago Mission, tallying 50 points (22-28-50) in 34 games played. Slaggert is set to follow in his family’s footsteps, joining his older brothers Graham and Landon, as well as his father, Andy, as forwards for the Fighting Irish.