Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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BLUEGOLDONLINE.COM MAY 2022 43 IRISH IN THE PROS BY TODD D. BURLAGE R oughneck NHL defensemen aren't typically referred to as "nice guys" playing a sport and a position forever defined by a "bad boy" persona. But during his 12-year NHL career, former Notre Dame defenseman Ian Cole has become an approachable role model to youngsters and a fan favorite off the ice, as well as a successful two- time Stanley Cup champion. Right now, he's an important member of the 2022 Carolina Hurricanes during their play- off quest for a second-ever NHL title and the organization's first since 2006. Cole's stories of kindness and giving are well documented at each of his five stops during his NHL career. Whether it was taking a vested inter- est in a veterans memorial project in St. Paul, Minn., while playing for the Wild there, or sharing his own toothless grin via Twitter with a young girl who was distraught over losing her first tooth, or just taking the time to sign an autograph or share a fist bump with a young star- struck fan, Cole never misses a chance to brighten someone's day. "When you find yourself in those situations, where you have the chance to share a quick word, or to make some small connection, I always try to be kind," said Cole, who has played in al- most 700 career NHL games since being drafted out of Notre Dame No. 18 overall in 2007 by the St. Louis Blues. Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016, Cole became the first-ever player born, raised and trained in Ann Arbor, Mich., to win the Stanley Cup. So, when the three-time monogram winner (2007-10) and one-time Fro- zen Four participant (2008) with the Irish had his personal day to spend with the epic trophy, Cole gave the Cup a reminiscent tour of his roots and hometown. "This is where you were having those dreams of winning the Stanley Cup when you were a kid," said Cole, who won another Cup in 2017 when the Pen- guins defended their title. The Stanley Cup found its way to An- gelo's restaurant in Ann Arbor, a break- fast joint Cole would often frequent as a youngster after 5 a.m. hockey practices. From there, Cole and his buddies from Pioneer High School carted the trophy to BTB Burrito, a go-to lunch spot from back in the day. Cole later took the Cup to the Coach & Four barber shop where he'd get his hair cut and his skates sharpened as a youngster, and finally to C.S. Mott Chil- dren's Hospital where he posed for pic- tures with the kids to brighten some difficult and dark days. "We're fortunate to have some small slice of celebrity, being hockey players," Cole said. "So, if you can make some- body's day, especially a kid's day, why wouldn't you?" PAT CONNAUGHTON, BUCKS LOOKING TO REPEAT Almost one year removed from becoming only the sixth former Notre Dame player to ever win an NBA or ABA championship, former Irish shooting guard Pat Connaughton is trying this spring to be- come only the third former Irish hoopster — join- ing Bill Laimbeer, Detroit Pistons (1989 and 1990) and John Paxson, Chicago Bulls (1991, 1992 and 1993) — to win multiple NBA titles. Connaughton, who played at Notre Dame from 2011-15, averaged 9.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists as a valuable reserve player for the Bucks this season. He contributed 5.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per outing to help the Bucks take a 3-1 advantage over the Chicago Bulls in the first- round of the NBA Playoffs through April 26. ✦ Now in his 12th NHL season, Cole is aiming to help the Carolina Hurricanes earn their second Stanley Cup in organization history. For him, it's a chance to lift the Cup for the third time after previously win- ning it all with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. PHOTO COURTESY CAROLINA HURRICANES NHL Veteran Ian Cole Won't Forget His Roots