On Wednesday (Oct 10th), Steve Yzerman spoke at the Joyce Center for the Drop the Puck reception hosted by Notre Dame.

“You don’t know how important the success of this team is to not just hockey in Indiana, but hockey in the United States,” Yzerman said to a crowd dotted with No. 19 Red Wings jerseys. “With the alumni base and fan base that Notre Dame has across the country, this team could bring a lot of exposure to the sport.”

Then he turned to Jackson and chuckled.

“Not to put any pressure on you, Coach, but it’s true,” said Yzerman. “It’s up to you to save hockey in the United States.”