Big Ten Hockey is expanding. Today the Big Ten formally announced that Notre Dame will join B1G Hockey as an affiliate member. The team will skate one more season in Hockey East and transfer to the Big Ten for 2017-18.
The addition of UND is a mutually beneficial arrangement. The Irish bolster the sagging reputation of B1G Hockey. UND has become a perennial contender. The team has made seven trips to the national tournament during head coach Jeff Jackson’s 11 year tenure.
The Big Ten offers the Irish a much better geographical and social fit when it comes to conference affiliation.