Brock Sheahan’s first year as the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish didn’t go as planned. After a nine-win season, the focus shifts to the 2026-27 season, and what new freshmen are stepping in and how they can help this program get back to winning the Big Ten championship.

All entry years are from CollegeHockeyNews and are subject to change. Players are listed alphabetically by last name. 

Edwards was looking like a first-round pick in the NHL draft before last season, but after a poor year from Sarnia and scouts not seeing what they did before, Edwards went in the fifth round to the Detroit Red Wings.

He still had solid point production, putting up 19 goals and 45 points in 64 games for the Sting.

Klaers' skating is what made him such an important target for Sheahan and his staff.

 In his 43 games played this season, he had 21 points in 43 games with a plus-minus of plus-14. He was also a part of Muskegon’s Clark Cup championship team in the 2024-25 season. This past season, he was also given the honour of being an assistant captain for the Lumberjacks.

If his last name looks familiar, yes, he’s the brother of the Irish’s current captain, Danny Nelson, and defenseman Henry Nelson.

Sammy is a projected lottery pick for the 2027 NHL draft, and with a struggling NTDP roster last season, he was able to put up 19 points in 21 USHL games. Nelson can play both wing and center, so coach Sheahan has a decision on if we wants to keep Danny and Sammy together or not.

Quinlan was with Edwards last season on the struggling Sting roster. Unfortunately for Quinlan, he hasn’t been on a good team since his minor hockey days. 

Quinlan has faced a lot of shots these last few years, but if the Irish are able to put out a strong defensive unit, he will be able to shine.