It has been a week since the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Hockey team came off the ice from their National Championship game. There have been major changes in four of those players lives. Two Seniors Jake Evans and Jordan Gross have signed contracts as well as Juniors, Andrew Oglevie and Dennis Gilbert. So where did they go?
New Beginnings
Jake Evans (Senior Captain)
On April 9th, Jake Evans signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens. The contract is a two-year entry-level contract, which will take effect in the 2018/2019 season. Jake was the 207th overall draft pick back in 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
While at Notre Dame, Jake played in 158 games and he racked up 41 goals, 97 assists, totaling 138 points. Some highlights of Jake’s Senior year: Evans became the 52nd player in program history to notch at least 100-career points. Scored the game-winning goal and added two assists for a three-point night in Notre Dame’s 5-2 win over sixth-ranked Minnesota (Nov. 25). Had a goal and an assist to lead Notre Dame to a 3-1 win at Michigan State (Dec. 1). Named to the First Team All-Big-Ten and garnered the 2018 Senior CLASS winner. Jake also had the game winning goal against Michigan in the Frozen Four with 5.2 seconds remaining in the game (April 6).
Jordan Gross (Alternate Captain)
On April 12th, Jordan Gross signed a contract with the Arizona Coyotes. His contract is also a two-year entry-level contract. Jordan was an undrafted free-agent.
While at Notre Dame, Jordan played in 159 games and racked up 36 goals, 85 assists totaling 121 points. Jordan ranks third all-time in scoring defensemen. Some highlights of Jordan’s Senior year: Notched the shootout winner in Notre Dame’s 2-2 tie/shootout win at Penn State (Feb. 3) in his first career shootout. Scored the game-winning goal against Ohio State in what proved to be the Big Ten Regular Season Championship clinching win, 2-1 (Feb. 9). Scored a goal in B1G semifinal win over Penn State (March 10), earning all-tournament team accolades. Scored twice, including the OT game-winning goal, in NCAA first round win over Michigan Tech (March 23). Jordan was named East Regional Most Outstanding Player and named to the 2018 Frozen Four All-Tournament team.
Dennis Gilbert
On April 13th, Dennis Gilbert signed a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. His contract is a three-year entry-level contract. His contract will go through the 2020/2021 season and reported immediately to the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL. Gilbert was a third round selection, 91st overall in the 2015 NHL draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.
While at Notre Dame, Dennis played in 116 games, Gilbert had 42 points (6 goals and 36 assists) and 236 blocked shots. Some highlights of Gilbert’s Junior year: Scored two shorthanded goals (Wisconsin and Michigan State) and six assists. Assisted on Cam Morrison’s game-winning goal in the B1G championship game (March 17).
Andrew Oglevie (Alternate Captain)
On April 11th, Andrew Oglevie signed a contract with the Buffalo Sabres. His contract is also a two-year entry-level contract. Oglevie was also an undrafted free-agent.
While at Notre Dame, Andrew played in 107 games, Oglevie had 41 goals and 48 assists for 89 points. Some highlights of Oglevies’s Junior year: Tied his career high with three assists in Note Dame’s 4-1 win at Minnesota (Jan. 27). Assisted on both Notre Dame goals in the 2-2 tie (shootout win) at Penn State (Feb. 3). Notched a pair of assists in Notre Dame’s 6-3 win over Michigan State (Feb. 23), which was his 100th career game. Assisted on two goals in 4-3 NCAA tournament win over Michigan Tech (March 23). Recorded an assist on Dylan Malmquist’s game-winning goal in the East Regional Final against Providence (March 24). Scored the only goal for the Irish in the National Championship game on (April 7).
Notre Dame’s Future
The 2018/2019 season for sure is going to be a “next man up” scenario. The understanding of the departing seniors is one that the Fighting Irish knew was going to happen. The departure of the Oglevie and Gilbert will be a void that will have to filled immediately. The team itself has plenty of talent still in place. There is one question that remains, does the team have what it takes to get back to the Frozen Four? With Coach Jackson at the helm, I say the answer is yes.