NTDP AND MINNESOTA-DULUTH CONNECTION: The University of Minnesota-Duluth has received six NTDP alumni, two of which have been selected in the NHL draft: Joey Anderson (NTDP 2014-16; New Jersey Devils), Justin Faulk (NTDP 2008-10; Carolina Hurricanes), Matt McNeely (NTDP 2009-11), Hunter Miska (NTDP 2011-13), Kyle Osterberg (NTDP 2010-12), and Trent Palm (NTDP 2004-06).

Two U.S. National Under-17 players have committed to play for Minnesota-Duluth after their time spent with the NTDP: Owen Gallatin (Hugo, Minn.) and Connor Kelley (Maple Grove, Minn.).

NTDP CONNECTION WITH HOLY CROSS: Holy Cross freshman Matt Barry played last season for the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, scoring 17 goals with 37 assists for 54 points in 57 games during the regular season.  Barry was an integral part of the Phantoms’ run to the USHL’s Clark Cup finals, scoring four goals with 10 assists for 14 points in 11 playoff games. NTDP fans might remember that Barry was stopped on a penalty shots by then-U17 goaltender Cam Rowe on May 1, 2018 with 30 seconds remaining in regulation at USA Hockey Arena.  Youngstown won the game, 4-3, in overtime.

Erik Gordon was a reserve goaltender for the NTDP U17s in 2016-17, posting a 4.25 goals against average and .863 save percentage in four games.  On January 7, 2017, Gordon pitched a 1-0 shutout for the U17s over Youngstown at USA Hockey Arena, stopping all 31 shots he faced. Last season, Gordon played for the Calgary Canucks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

THE BERARD CONNECTION WITH HOLY CROSS AND THE NTDP:  David Berard, father of U17 forward Brett Berard, is currently in his fourth season at Holy Cross as the head coach of the men’s ice hockey program in 2017-2018. Berard has over 20 years of collegiate hockey experience, including 16 seasons at his alma mater, Providence College. He also served as the interim head coach at the University of Connecticut for the majority of the 2012-2013 season. In his three seasons at Holy Cross, the Crusaders are 46-46-17 overall and have posted a 39-28-17 record in Atlantic Hockey.

A goaltender in his playing days at Providence, Berard was a member of one of the most successful classes to wear a Friar uniform, amassing a total of 87 wins over their four-year career. Berard was a member of three teams that reached the Hockey East Tournament semifinals and two teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament.  Berard graduated from Providence in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. He and his wife, Lynne, have two sons (Brett and Brady).

NTDP RECORD-BREAKERS: NTDP alum Ryan Hartman (2010-12) played his 200th career NHL game Thursday night as the Nashville Predators hosted the Dallas Stars.

James van Riemsdyk (NTDP 2005-07) collected his 200th career assist Thursday night in an overtime loss for the Philadelphia Flyers against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Colin Wilson (NTDP 2005-07) is approaching the 600 career games played mark. The current Colorado Avalanche forward owns 268 points across 593 career NHL games. J.T. Miller (NTDP 2009-11) is approaching the 400 career games played mark. The current Tampa Bay Lightning forward owns 216 points across 398 career NHL games. Patrick Kane (NTDP 2004-06) netted his seventh career hat trick (including playoffs) in a 5-2 win for the Chicago Blackhawks over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.

ALL STAR APPEARANCES: Six alums of the NTDP will face off New Year's Day when the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Boston Bruins in the NHL Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Patrick Kane, John Hayden, Brandon Saad and Connor Murphy will suit up for Chicago, while Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk will take the ice for Boston.

NTDP alum Auston Matthews (2013-15) was named one of four captains ahead of the 2019 NHL All-Star weekend next month in San Jose. Matthews will represent the Atlantic Division. It marks his third All-Star appearance and his first as a captain.

NCAA SCHEDULE: The U18s’ NCAA schedule will end with two additional upcoming matchups: Adrian College at home (Jan. 8), and the University of Wisconsin on Jan. 12.

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.