CHICAGO – The “2025 Frozen Confines” series kicked off tonight as Notre Dame and Penn State battled it out on the ice at Wrigley Field in Chicago. This highly anticipated outdoor hockey game marks a unique chapter in the rivalry between the Fighting Irish and the Nittany Lions, as both teams look to turn their struggling seasons around in the Big Ten standings.
Historic Venue Meets College Hockey: The Frozen Confines
The “Frozen Confines” series has brought Big Ten hockey to the hallowed grounds of Wrigley Field, a venue better known as the home of the MLB’s Chicago Cubs. This outdoor series, featuring four games across two days, follows the NHL Winter Classic held earlier this week at the same iconic location. For Notre Dame, this is their fourth outdoor game in program history, having previously played at Soldier Field, Fenway Park, and Notre Dame Stadium.
Friday night’s game between Notre Dame and Penn State is part of a doubleheader, with Ohio State and Michigan facing off earlier in the evening. Saturday will see Wisconsin’s women’s team play Ohio State, followed by Wisconsin’s men’s team taking on Michigan State. Tickets for the event were available for as low as $15, offering fans a chance to witness hockey in a truly unique setting. However, attendees were warned to bundle up, with temperatures in the low 20s and a wind chill making it feel even colder.
Notre Dame and Penn State: A Clash of Struggling Teams
Both Notre Dame and Penn State entered this series at the bottom of the Big Ten standings, with the Fighting Irish holding a 6-12-0 overall record (1-9-0 in conference play) and the Nittany Lions at 7-9-0 (0-8-0 Big Ten). Despite their struggles, the game offered a chance for both teams to reset as the second half of the season begins.
Notre Dame’s offense has relied heavily on standout forward Cole Knuble, who leads the team with 18 points (1.29 points per game) and 11 assists this season. Sophomore Danny Nelson has also been a key contributor with a team-leading 8 goals. However, defensive lapses have plagued the Irish, who rank near the bottom nationally in shots allowed per game at 35.8. Senior goaltender Owen Say has been a bright spot, boasting a .922 save percentage in 12 starts despite a 5-7 record.
Penn State, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency, particularly in conference play, where they remain winless. The Nittany Lions hope to leverage their offensive depth to break through Notre Dame’s leaky defense. Both teams are desperate for momentum heading into the latter half of the season, making this series a pivotal moment to build confidence on the ice.
Weather and Atmosphere Add to the Drama
The outdoor setting at Wrigley Field added a layer of excitement and unpredictability to the contest. With temperatures hovering in the teens and low 20s, players and fans alike braved the cold to witness the spectacle. The Weather Channel had predicted partly cloudy skies for Friday’s games, with conditions expected to improve slightly for Saturday’s matchups.
In addition to the unique venue, the aesthetics of the event did not disappoint. Notre Dame, Penn State, and the other participating teams donned special uniforms designed to pay homage to the baseball history of Wrigley Field. Michigan, for instance, sported jerseys inspired by the Chicago Cubs’ 1980s uniforms, adding a nostalgic touch to the proceedings.
Implications for Big Ten Hockey
While this outdoor series is a celebration of college hockey in a historic setting, it also carries weight in the Big Ten standings. Minnesota remains the conference leader, with Michigan State and Wisconsin close behind. Meanwhile, Notre Dame and Penn State occupy the bottom two spots, making this series critical for both teams to avoid finishing last in the standings.
For Penn State and Notre Dame, Friday’s game at Wrigley Field was not just a battle for pride but an opportunity to gain critical points in the conference race. With the Big Ten Tournament on the horizon, every win could prove crucial in reshaping their seasons.
Looking Ahead: Game Two in South Bend
After the outdoor spectacle at Wrigley Field, the series between Notre Dame and Penn State will shift back indoors. The two teams are set to face off again on Sunday evening at the Compton Family Ice Arena in South Bend, Indiana. This follow-up game provides an opportunity for both teams to solidify their strategies and build on any momentum gained during Friday’s matchup.
Puck drop is scheduled for 5 p.m. EST, and fans can catch the action live on Peacock. With both teams desperate for a win, Sunday’s game promises to be just as intense as the outdoor opener. As the Big Ten standings remain tight in the middle, every point matters as teams jockey for seeding in the upcoming conference tournament.
The Bigger Picture: A Celebration of College Hockey
The “Frozen Confines” weekend has brought college hockey into the spotlight, showcasing the passion and talent of Big Ten programs in a unique and historic setting. While Notre Dame and Penn State may be battling for redemption in a challenging season, the weekend highlights the broader appeal of outdoor hockey and the enduring charm of Wrigley Field.
From the baseball-inspired uniforms to the frigid temperatures, this event has provided fans with an unforgettable experience. As college hockey continues to grow in popularity, events like these remind us of the sport’s ability to deliver drama, excitement, and a connection to tradition.
