Notre Dame Hockey Beats Western Michigan 4-1

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Hockey team we’re back in action on Sunday following their tie with the Western Michigan Broncos on Friday night. The Irish relied on strong goaltending early before the offense exploded in the second period, propelling Notre Dame to the 4-1 win.

First Period

The first period was slow moving from a scoring perspective, but the star of the period was undoubtedly Cale Morris. Morris stopped all 16 shots he faced in the period, including a penalty shot late, his second penalty shot save in as many games.

Second Period

In the second period Notre Dame’s offense broke the game open. It took until halfway through the period, but Matt Hellickson opened the scoring with a wrist shot goal off a feed from Cam Morrison. Just a few minutes later Alex Steeves doubled the Irish lead on the power play. After a quick passing sequence Steeves one timed a shot from the slot for the goal. Just a few minutes later, the Irish added to the lead again. Cam Morrison tipped a shot from Steeves into the net for the third goal. Alex Steeves picked up his second of the game and the fourth for the Irish near the end of the period. Directly off of the faceoff Steeves found a loss puck in the slot that he fired home.

Third Period

Western Michigan added a goal on the power play with just over 4 minutes left in the game, but that was all they would get and Notre Dame came away with the road victory for their first win of the new year.

Scoring

Notre Dame: Matt Hellickson (3) at 10:41 in the 2nd, assisted by Cam Morrison and Alex Steeves

Notre Dame: Alex Steeves (5) on the PP at 13:15 in the 2nd, assisted by Cam Morrison and Michael Graham

Notre Dame: Cam Morrison (6) at 16:59 in the 2nd, assisted by Alex Steeves and Nate Clurman

Notre Dame: Alex Steeves (6) at 18:28 in the 2nd, assisted by Michael Graham

Western Michigan: Jason Polin (2) on the PP at 15:52 in the 3rd, assisted by Wade Allison and Hugh McGing

Penalties

Western Michigan: Wade Allison, 2 for tripping at 17:24 in the 1st

Notre Dame: Max Ellis, 2 for tripping at 18:01 in the 1st

Notre Dame: Alex Steeves, 2 for interference at 19:26 in the 1st

Western Michigan: Hugh McGing, 2 for charging at 13:07 in the 2nd

Notre Dame: Jesse Lansdell, 2 for tripping at 2:32 in the 3rd

Notre Dame: Mike O’Leary, 2 for slashing at 7:48 in the 3rd

Notre Dame: Trevor Janicke, 2 for hooking at 15:01 in the 3rd

Goalies

Notre Dame: Cale Morris made 40 saves on 41 shots in the win

Western Michigan: Brandon Bussi allowed 4 goals on 20 shots in the loss

Western Michigan: Ben Blacker saved all 7 shots he faced in relief duty

Up Next

Notre Dame resumes conference play next weekend when they welcome the Michigan Wolverines to South Bend for a weekend matchup.