WAKEFIELD, Mass. - Hockey East Commissioner Joe Bertagna issued the following statement today in regards to Notre Dame's departure from Hockey East to play in the Big Ten at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season. Hockey East will have no further comment at this time.

"Hockey East has been a dominant player in college hockey since its inception in 1984. The addition of both Notre Dame and the University of Connecticut enhanced the strength and depth of the league. This weekend, Notre Dame is part of Hockey East's six-team contingent that is looking to defend the national championship won by Providence College last April in Boston. The college hockey landscape continues to change but one certainty is that Hockey East will remain the premier conference in college hockey for years to come."