NOTRE DAME — Longtime assistant coach Andy Slaggert will leave the Notre Dame hockey program at the end of the month to pursue an opportunity in professional hockey.
When he does, the longest tenure in program history will end.
Slaggert played at Notre Dame in the late 80s, and returned to the program as an assistant coach, where he has served since 1992.
“The past 32-plus seasons have been an amazing journey filled with many highs and lows and especially with fantastic people, from the coaches that I am still lucky enough to call friends, to the support staff that is the absolute best in all of hockey, the alumni and donors in particular the Compton, Mashuta, DiVietro and Catalino families that support our endeavors, the fans and best band in the land and most importantly the high level of student-athlete, that we get to interact with on a daily basis,” Slaggert said upon his announcement. “I started working at Notre Dame as a single young man and depart, not so young, with an entire family led by everyone’s favorite Slaggert, Tara, and three sons that share our love of hockey, family and Notre Dame. In addition our extended family of approximately 250 players past, present and future who we have had the pleasure of considering our boys as well.”
“Slags”, as he’s know, is the only person to either play or coach with every head coach in program history. Slaggert played for legendary coach Lefty Smith as well as Ric Shafer, who he later returned to coach alongside.
Slaggert’s tenure continued under Dave Poulin and Jeff Jackson, and in the recent months under Brock Sheahan, who Slaggert himself recruited and coached, when Sheahan was a player. Slaggert was elevated to associate head coach in 2017.
“Personally, I could not be more excited for Coach Slaggert, and his family for this amazing opportunity,” Catalino Family Head Hockey Coach Brock Sheahan said. “‘Slaggs’ has meant so much to Notre Dame hockey for a very long time, and the program would not be what it is today without his tireless efforts. I am forever grateful to Coach Slaggert for recruiting me to this great university, supporting my dream of being a hockey coach, and helping me achieve my ultimate dream of being the next Catalino Family Head Hockey Coach at the University of Notre Dame. I would not be the person I am today without his mentorship, guidance, and support. I am also grateful for his support during this time of transition, and Coach Slaggert has done an amazing job helping us set the program up for sustained future success. We wish him the best of luck in the future, and he will always be a huge part of Notre Dame Hockey!”
All three of his sons also played for the Irish, including his youngest Carter who is currently a junior on the team.