Bischel named finalist for two Big Ten awards
Former Red Knight named one of three finalists for conference player and goalie of the year.
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Senior goalie Ryan Bischel has been named a finalist for both Goaltender and Player of the Year, as announced by the Big Ten Conference Wednesday.
“Ryan is the backbone of our team,” Notre Dame head coach Jeff Jackson mentioned of the finalist recognition. “He’s had a great year and given our team a chance to win every night. His growth, both emotionally and as a goaltender, has been phenomenal over the last few seasons.”
The senior netminder started all 37 games for the Irish in 2022-23, boasting a 16-16-5 record while finishing with a .931 season save percentage. His 1,183 saves led all collegiate netminders while his .934 save percentage through the conclusion of the regular season was a nation’s best among DI goaltenders. Bischel’s five shutouts on the season was tied for fifth.
In regular season conference play, Bischel posted a .938 save percentage in 1,443:18 minutes played, leading the Big Ten in both categories. He led his team to home-ice in the conference tournament following a 2-0-2 record in the final weeks of the regular season, clinching 10 of a possible 12 points in the undefeated stretch with a pair of series over top-10 teams in Ohio State and Michigan.
Bischel etched his name in the record book in 2022-23 as his season save count ranks second all-time at ND behind Lance Madson (1,288) in 1988-89. His final save percentage was second-best in program history, behind Cale Morris and Dylan St. Cyr, both of whom he split time between the pipes with during his first two seasons. His 2,182:51 total minutes played also ranks among the top-10 in Irish history.
With his senior season completed, Ryan Bischel ranks second nationally in save percentage.
Among national awards, Bischel has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Mike Richter Award, as the nation's top goalie, and is also a Hobey Baker Award nominee.
The Minnesota native was recently named a semifinalist for the Mike Richter Award, presented annually to the top DI goaltender. A four-time Big Ten player of the week honoree, Bischel has also been nominated for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.
During his career at BSM, Bischel ranked in the top 10 of virtually all of the school's goaltending records, including single-season in 2015-16 in wins (24) and minutes played (1319:47).
He finished fourth in career minutes (2493:44), fifth in career wins (34), sixth in career saves (1035) seventh in single-season (2015-16) saves (536), seventh in career goals against average (2.47), ninth in career save percentage (.895), and 10th in single-season (2015-16) save percentage (.907).
Additionally, following the 2015-16 season, Bischel was named second team Minneapolis Star Tribune All-Metro.
Following his tenure at BSM, Bischel spent three seasons with the Fargo Force of the USHL, posting a 49-32-11 with a 2.29 goals against average and .909 save percentage.
He helped the Force to the USHL's Clark Cup championship in 2018 and represented the USA at the World Junior A Championship in 2019.
“He’s earned and deserves this recognition as one of the best college hockey players, and goaltenders, in the country,” Coach Jackson concluded.
Winners will be announced by the conference on March 14.
B1G Player of the Year Finalists
Luke Hughes, D, Michigan
Matthew Knies, F, Minnesota
Ryan Bischel, G, Notre Dame
B1G Goaltender of the Year Finalists
Justen Close, Minnesota
Ryan Bischel, Notre Dame
Jakub Dobeš, Ohio State
Bischel led the Red Knights to an undefeated regular-season in 2015-16 and helped keep the team ranked number one in the state for 10 consecutive weeks.
Tag(s): News Team Alumni News
