Report: Notre Dame joining Big Ten in hockey

Notre Dame is joining the Big Ten — in hockey. 

For years, conference have been trying to land Notre Dame as part of their ranks. Major conference have swung and missed to lure the independent program in, but the barriers are starting to fall.

It was announced on Tuesday that the Irish will be joining the Big Ten for hockey:

"Notre Dame is preparing to leave Hockey East for the Big Ten in the 2017-18 season, sources told USCHO on Tuesday."

This seemingly opens the door for Notre Dame to join the Big Ten in other sports too. For years, the football program has prided itself on being independent, but the ACC and Big Ten have been looking to get Notre Dame for a while now.

Even if hockey is the only sport that Notre dame comes to the Big Ten in, that’s still a big deal. The conference is trying to really flex its muscles in making not only its brand bigger but bring popularity to the sport of college hockey. The Irish have been a big presence in the world of college hockey for the last few years and joining a major conference like the Big Ten will only help the exposure for the program.