COACHING CONNECTIONS: Under-18 Team head coach John Wroblewski and intern assistant coach Kevin Lind will return to their alma mater Oct. 7 when the NTDP takes on Notre Dame. Wroblewski played four years of college hockey in South Bend, Indiana, from 1999-2003, and captained the Fighting Irish during his senior season. In his time at Notre Dame, Wroblewski earned MVP honors for his performance on the ice and also earned his degree in finance. Lind played four seasons at Notre Dame from 2011-14. He returned to the university as the assistant coach for the 2016-17 season before joining the coaching staff at the NTDP.

There are plenty of coaching storylines on the Notre Dame bench, as well. Irish head coach Jeff Jackson became the first coach in NTDP history in 1997-98. Notre Dame associate head coach Andy Slaggert is the father of NTDP alum Graham Slaggert and current U17 forward Landon Slaggert.

In addition, the U18s will face Ferris State University on Saturday. Under-17 Team head coach Seth Appert suited up for 20 games with the Bulldogs as a goaltender from 1992-96.

FROM NTDP TO NOTRE DAME:  Notre Dame commit and Under-18 Team forward Rolston will get a close-up with his future collegiate team, while five NTDP alumni — Matt Hellickson Jake Pivonka, Graham Slaggert, Spencer Stastney and St. Cyr — will face off against their former team. The ties between the NTDP and Fighting Irish are strong, with a total of 35 NTDP alumni moving on to play Division I hockey with Notre Dame.

A number of players who went through the NTDP and Notre Dame programs have gone on to reach the NHL, including two-time Stanley Cup champions Bryan Rust and Ian Cole of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Colorado Avalanche, respectively, Anders Bjork of the Boston Bruins and Stephen Johns of the Dallas Stars.

PLAYER FEATURE: Connor Kelley credits his older brothers with his development. Read the full story here.

COLLEGE CATCH UP: Goalie Dylan St. Cyr gives an update on his career after his time spent at the NTDP. Read the full story here.

ALUMNI FEATURE: Los Angeles Kings defenseman Derek Forbort reflects on his time spent with the USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-18 Team. Read the full story here.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: 20 current NTDP players and four NTDP alumni were named to the NHL Central Scouting’s list of “players to watch” for the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. To view the list of 65 players with USHL ties named, click here.

NCAA SCHEDULE: Ferris State University and the University of Notre Dame are two of 17 total NCAA opponents on the U18 schedule for the 2018-19 season. The U18s will make the short trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to face the University of Michigan on Oct. 12 before opening their home schedule with a game against the University of Minnesota on Oct. 13. The U18s’ NCAA schedule will continue with Boston University (Oct. 19), Harvard University (Oct. 20), Dartmouth College (Oct. 22), Bowling Green State University at home (Nov. 21), University of Maine at home (Dec. 8), Michigan State University (Dec. 15), Lake Superior State University at home (Dec. 16), St. Cloud State University (Dec. 27), University of North Dakota (Dec. 29), College of the Holy Cross at  home (Jan. 1), University of Minnesota-Duluth (Jan. 5), Adrian College at home (Jan. 8), and end with the University of Wisconsin on Jan. 12.

NCAA PRESEASON RANKINGS: Seven Division I NCAA opponents on the U18s’ schedule were ranked in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine preseason polls. Minnesota-Duluth is ranked first, followed by Notre Dame at No. 2, St. Cloud State at No. 4, Michigan at No. 6, Boston University at No. 8, Boston College at No. 9, North Dakota at No. 12 and Minnesota at No. 13.

NEW TICKET PACKAGES: The NTDP is offering season ticket packages for the 2018-19 season. The packages include the College Six Pack, Flex Pack, and Fan Experience Package. More information is available here or by calling 734.453.8400.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS

Sept. 11 - Oct. 28 (Wednesdays and Sundays) — Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs ($15 per weekly session)

Friday, Oct. 5 — vs. Madison Capitols — Welcome Back Weekend | Magnet Schedule Giveaway | $5 Friday

Saturday, Oct. 6 — vs. Madison Capitols — Welcome Back Weekend | Magnet Schedule Giveaway

Saturday, Oct. 13 — vs. University of Minnesota — U18s Poster Giveaway and Postgame Autograph Night | NTDP vs. NCAA College Series