A trio of Notre Dame hockey players鈥擠anny Nelson, Paul Fischer, and Evan Werner鈥攔eceived recognition from the Big Ten Conference for their exceptional performances in the 2025-26 season. Nelson and Fischer, both team captains, were honored with All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, while Werner received the Sportsmanship Award. Nelson scored a career-high 29 points, including 13 goals, and Fischer tallied 23 points as a defenseman, marking his second consecutive 20-point season. The Irish power play thrived, ranking fourth nationally at 27.5%, with Nelson and Werner contributing significantly to this success.

By the Numbers
  • Danny Nelson recorded 29 points in the season, with 13 goals and 16 assists.
  • Paul Fischer achieved 23 points from the defense, with a career-high six goals.
  • Notre Dame's power play ranked fourth nationally with a success rate of 27.5%.
  • Evan Werner led the team with 34 points, scoring 17 goals and 17 assists.
Yes, But

Despite the recognition, the team fell short of postseason expectations, indicating room for improvement in future campaigns. The individual accolades highlight performance, but team success remains the ultimate goal.

State of Play
  • All three honorees played pivotal roles in the team's special teams units.
  • Notre Dame achieved a remarkable season with notable contributions from its junior players.
What's Next

The trio's achievements may set the stage for leadership roles next season, potentially guiding the team to greater success. Continued development and team cohesion will be essential moving forward.

Bottom Line

Recognizing their hard work and commitment, the honors for Nelson, Fischer, and Werner reflect individual excellence while underscoring the importance of team dynamics in striving for future championships.