Thrilling Big Ten Hockey Showdown at Wrigley Field Ends in a 3-3 Tie

On a crisp evening at Chicago’s iconic Wrigley Field, Penn State and Notre Dame delivered a hockey spectacle for the ages. As part of the Frozen Confines: Big Ten Hockey Series, the two teams battled to a thrilling 3-3 tie, with the Irish securing an extra league point in a dramatic eight-round shootout. The electric atmosphere and high stakes were matched by standout performances on both sides of the ice.

The game got off to a blistering start, with Notre Dame’s Grant Silianoff lighting the lamp just over seven minutes into the first period. Silianoff capitalized on a rebound off Jack Larrigan’s initial shot, giving the Irish an early 1-0 edge. Silianoff’s performance stood out all night, as he also notched his first assist of the season, showcasing his versatility and offensive instincts.

However, Penn State wasted no time responding. Graduate student Tyler Paquette raced up the ice just 56 seconds later, unleashing a laser that beat Irish goaltender Nicholas Kempf glove-side to knot the score at 1-1. Paquette’s goal sparked the Nittany Lions and set the tone for a night of resilience.

Notre Dame regained the lead late in the first period when Justin Janicke capitalized on a powerplay opportunity, snapping a shot past Penn State goaltender Arsenii Sergeev with just 41 seconds left. Janicke’s poise in the slot exemplified the Irish's ability to execute in critical moments.

The Nittany Lions roared back late in the second period. Sophomore Matt DiMarsico pounced on a rebound from Charlie Cerrato’s initial shot, tying the game 2-2 with just 32 seconds remaining in the frame. DiMarsico’s goal highlighted Penn State’s refusal to back down, even under mounting pressure.

The third period began with fireworks as sophomore Aiden Fink scored just 10 seconds in—marking the third-fastest period-opening goal in Penn State history. Fink’s exceptional awareness and quick release gave the Nittany Lions their first lead of the night and extended his impressive point streak to three games. His one-goal, one-assist performance secured his seventh multi-point game of the season and added to his growing reputation as a clutch player.

But Notre Dame wasn’t finished. With just under nine minutes left in regulation, Carter Slaggert tied the game at 3-3 by burying a pass from Silianoff into a wide-open net. It was a pivotal moment for Slaggert, who recorded his first goal of the season in spectacular fashion. Notre Dame’s offense surged late in the period, but Sergeev stood tall, capping a phenomenal night with 43 saves, tying his career high. His efforts were crucial in keeping Penn State in the fight.

In overtime, the Irish outshot the Nittany Lions 4-2, with both Sergeev and Kempf delivering clutch saves to force a shootout. The drama reached its peak in the shootout, where Penn State struck first, but Notre Dame’s Hunter Strand answered with a deft floater over Sergeev’s shoulder. Kempf, a Chicago native, then stole the show, making seven consecutive stops in the shootout to give his team a chance. Finally, senior defenseman Ryan Helliwell seized the moment, roofing the game-winner in the eighth round to send the Irish bench into celebration.

Key Performances and Stats:

Notre Dame:

• Grant Silianoff: Two points (1G, 1A), leading the Irish offense with creativity and precision.
• Carter Slaggert: Clutch third-period goal to tie the game and force overtime.
• Justin Janicke: Powerplay goal late in the first period to reclaim the lead.
• Nicholas Kempf: Stellar between the pipes with 39 saves in regulation and overtime, plus seven shootout stops.

Penn State:

• Arsenii Sergeev: Returned from injury to tie his career-high with 43 saves, anchoring the Nittany Lions' defense.
• Aiden Fink: One goal, one assist, and a three-game point streak. His quick strike to start the third period was Penn State’s fastest in years.
• Tyler Paquette: Electrifying first-period goal to spark the Nittany Lions’ offense.
• Matt DiMarsico: Late second-period goal to maintain momentum heading into the final frame.

Notre Dame held a slight edge in shots on goal, 46-42, and went 1-for-2 on the powerplay, while Penn State struggled on special teams, going 0-for-2. Both teams left everything on the ice, combining skill, heart, and intensity in a game that lived up to its grand setting.

As the teams prepare for Sunday’s rematch at Compton Family Ice Arena, the stage is set for another high-stakes showdown. With Penn State seeking their first Big Ten win and Notre Dame building on their dramatic victory in the shootout, fans can expect more fireworks in South Bend.