Title game rematch adds motivation for ND hockey home opener

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame hockey is now number one in the nation after a win over fourth-ranked Providence and then a sweep over Omaha last weekend.

Now their quest for a title, while still very early, continues in this weekend's series against Minnesota Duluth in a top-two showdown.

The last time these two teams met was back in April when the Bulldogs topped the Irish 2-1 in the 2018 National Championship game.

Adding to the revenge factor, Friday's game will also serve as Notre Dame's home-opener, packing a lot of emotion into those 60 minutes on the ice.

Still, head coach Jeff Jackson says it'll be a big indicator of things to come if the Irish can block all of that out and continue their hot start.

“It will be interesting to see how we respond," he said. "It’s a home game, which is nice. We’ve been on the road for a couple straight weeks. It’s good that our first home game is a big one as far as playing a top opponent. Hopefully the building is full and we have a good crowd. That certainly makes a big impact on the excitement level and motivation.”