April 18, 2008

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The Notre Dame hockey team, making its ever appearance in the NCAA Frozen Four, fell 4-3 to Boston College in the title game Saturday in Denver.

The Irish had beaten CCHA rival Michigan 5-4 in overtime Thursday night to become the only number-four seed to advance to the championship contest.

Hundreds of hockey fans greeted the team upon its return to campus Sunday afternoon to celebrate the incredible post-season run by Coach Jeff Jackson’s squad.

Many former Notre Dame hockey players attended the Frozen Four in Denver to lend their support. Those on hand were Ric Schafer, also a former Irish assistant and head coach; 2007 captain T.J. Jindra and classmates Tom Sawatske and Michael Bartlett; Brian Walsh and son Rory Walsh (who both played for Notre Dame); Jack Brownschidle, Lance Madsen and Chris Trick. Lefty Smith, Notre Dame’s first hockey coach, was unable to attend because of his wife Micki’s illness.

Check the Notre Dame athletics website to read more about the hockey team’s visit to the Frozen Four.