NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The LIU men's hockey team recognized that it was preparing for its biggest challenge of the season as it approached the weekend series against No. 17 Notre Dame—and they capitalized on the opportunity.

LIU defeated No. 17 Notre Dame 5-2 on Saturday night, splitting its two-game series against the Fighting Irish in front of 4,125 fans at the Compton Family Ice Arena.

The Sharks and Fighting Irish were scoreless in the second period until Garrett Valk set up Cade Mason, who found the back of the net for the first time this season to put LIU ahead 1-0.

The Irish answered with a power-play goal three minutes later to even the score—but it was short-lived.

Riley Wallack scored a shorthanded goal just over the midway point of the second period to put LIU back in the lead at 2-1. Austin Brimmer followed up with a power-play goal, giving the Sharks a 3-1 lead heading into the final frame.

John Gormley, who played his 100th game as a Shark, extended the lead to 4-1 in the third period. Then Isaac Lambert sealed the win with an empty-net goal, securing the Sharks' 5-2 win over the Fighting Irish.

Noah Rupprecht was outstanding in net for LIU. The sophomore made 25 saves, including 13 in the third period.

"I could not be more proud of our team's effort tonight," said veteran head coach Brett Riley. "To beat a ranked opponent on the road reflects the character and culture of our team and marks another milestone for our young program. It was a complete team effort."

The Sharks' 5-2 win over No. 17 Notre Dame marks the third time LIU has defeated a ranked opponent. The first two ranked wins occurred during the Anthony Vincent and Adam Goodsir era (2022-23), when the Sharks beat No. 12 Ohio State 3-2 on Nov. 25 and No. 20 Alaska Fairbanks 3-1 on Feb. 11, both at the Northwell Health Ice Center.

"Playing and competing hard against the nation's best teams will only continue to strengthen our program and improve us in all areas," Riley said.

Chris Pappas, Luca Leighton, Anthony Lucarelli, Garrett Valk, and Carter Rapalje each recorded an assist the Irish, while Connor Gregga picked up two helpers in Satuday's 5-2 win.

Valtteri Piironen led the Sharks for the second straight game with a team-high four blocked shots.

LIU's next game is on Nov. 9 at New Hampshire for game seven of its 10-game road trip.

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