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Irish Take Over #1 Ranking In Both Polls

By Dan Colleran, ND Director of Athletics Communications, 01/09/18, 8:45AM EST

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Sweep extends win streak to 15 games

Jan. 8, 2018 | USHCO.com | USA Today/USA 

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- After sweeping Michigan in a home-and-home series over the weekend to run their winning streak to 15 games, the Fighting Irish took over the No. 1 ranking in the USCHO.com poll and stayed at No. 1 in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll.

Both polls were released on Monday, Jan. 8. Notre Dame received 40 of a possible 50 first-place votes in the USCHO.com poll and 26 first-place votes in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll.

The 15 consecutive wins is tied for the longest mark in program history, which was also done from Nov. 4, 1983 - Jan. 21, 1984 when the Irish competed as a club team. It is also tied for head coach Jeff Jackson’s longest career winning streak, as Jackson’s previous longest career winning streak came with Lake Superior State when his team won 15 consecutive games from Jan. 19 - March 9, 1991, as part of a 28-game unbeaten stretch by the Lakers.

Notre Dame also improved to 12-0-0-0 in Big Ten play so far this season, having swept each league team in the first rotation through the league. The Fighting Irish have 36 points in the league standings, 14 points clear of second place Ohio State (7-4-1-0).

This season’s number one ranking marks the seventh time in program history the Irish have been ranked No. 1 for at least one week during a season.

Sophomore goaltender Cale Morris has started each game during Notre Dame’s current winning streak, posting a 1.33 goals-against average and a .962 save percentage to go along with the 15 wins. On the season, Morris is 17-1-0 with a 1.47 goals-against average and an NCAA best .956 save percentage.

Notre Dame has a bye week before returning for a stretch run of six consecutive weekend Big Ten series to close out the regular season. The Irish will be back in action with a Friday-Sunday series against Wisconsin on Jan. 19 and 21. Friday’s game will be played at 7:35 p.m. ET at the Compton Family Ice Arena, while Sunday’s game will take place at 3 p.m. ET/2 p.m CT at the United Center in Chicago. To purchase tickets, click here.

-- ND --