The seemingly unstoppable No. 1 Michigan Wolverines hockey team faced a major scare this weekend, but ultimately persevered, showcasing their depth and resilience in a hard-fought sweep against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. But here's where it gets controversial... Did a questionable penalty call threaten to derail their momentum, or did the Wolverines simply dig deep to overcome adversity? Let's dive into the details.
Updated: January 10, 2026, 10:57 p.m.
Published: January 10, 2026, 9:41 p.m.
By Ryan Zuke | rzuke1@mlive.com
ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines (18-4, 9-3 Big Ten) secured a weekend sweep against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-15, 0-10) with a decisive 7-4 victory on Saturday, adding to their 5-2 win on Friday. This marked their first competition in over a month (34 days to be exact!), making the sweep even more impressive. However, the victory came at a cost: a significant injury to their star goaltender, Jack Ivankovic.
Despite the setback, the Wolverines' high-powered offense continued to fire on all cylinders. Stephen Peck, thrust into action as a substitute goalie, delivered a solid performance with 18 saves. Imagine the pressure of stepping onto the ice, especially in such a crucial game! Peck definitely rose to the occasion.
The game wasn't without its tense moments. The Irish managed to close the gap to within one goal early in the third period. And this is the part most people miss... The Wolverines responded with a burst of offensive firepower, scoring two unanswered goals to regain control. The game devolved into a penalty-filled affair, with a staggering 173 penalty minutes assessed between the two teams. This included a whopping fourteen 10-minute misconducts and five major penalties – a testament to the intensity and physicality of the contest. Was the refereeing overly strict, or did the players simply lose their composure?
The pivotal moment arrived three minutes into the second period. Notre Dame's Danny Nelson, while skating, appeared to lose an edge and inadvertently collided with Michigan's starting goalie, Jack Ivankovic. The impact resulted in a lower-body injury to Ivankovic, requiring assistance for him to leave the ice. This was a huge blow to the Wolverines, as Ivankovic has been instrumental to their success this season.
Adding fuel to the fire, Michigan forward Josh Eernisse received a five-minute major penalty for cross-checking Nelson following the collision. With the Wolverines leading 3-1 at the time, this penalty put them at a significant disadvantage. Enter Stephen Peck, who hadn't seen any game action this season. Peck faced an immediate barrage of shots during the penalty kill, showcasing his readiness and skill. He managed to make several key saves, but the Irish eventually capitalized shortly after the penalty expired, narrowing the score.
Michigan challenged the play, arguing for goalie interference, but their challenge was unsuccessful. Undeterred, the Wolverines responded emphatically. Garrett Schifsky and Nick Moldenhauer, who had starred in Friday's game with a team-high goal and assist, each found the back of the net within a five-minute span. This surge extended Michigan's lead to 5-2, providing a much-needed cushion.
Schifsky added another goal at the 10:49 mark of the third period, assisted by Michael Hage, who himself finished the game with a goal and an assist. Jayden Perron also contributed with a goal and an assist, scoring on a breakaway to put the Wolverines ahead 7-4.
The first period was a fast-paced, back-and-forth affair, with Michigan holding a narrow 2-1 lead. Freshman forward Aidan Park scored twice, and the Wolverines generated two breakaways. However, they also exhibited defensive vulnerabilities, particularly on Notre Dame's goal that tied the game at the 7:19 mark. Overall, a great showing from the Wolverines.
What do you think? Was the penalty on Eernisse justified, or was it an overreaction? Did the Wolverines show true grit in overcoming Ivankovic's injury, or did Notre Dame simply falter under pressure? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
