Hundreds of people filed into the Joyce Center Monday evening for the "Drop the Puck" event hosted by the Notre Dame Men's Hockey Team.

It was a chance for fans to meet their favorite Irish players, and perhaps get some autographs.

Irish Head Coach Jeff Jackson spoke at the event, as did Brain Burke, the General Manager of the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL.

"We try to make it an opportunity for them to try and meet our players. I get a chance to speak to them. You know it's really kind of a payback to the fans, and trying to build a bigger fan base for the future when we get a new building," explained Irish Hockey coach Jeff Jackson.

"When you see how wonderful these kids are…how humble and polite and all those other things, it's easy to love hockey players. I think it's a great chance for the players to meet some of their fans and thank them. And to kick the season off on good footing," Anaheim Ducks Gm Brian Burke added.

Last year, Notre Dame made an incredible run to the finals of the Frozen Four, and Jackson believes this is a great way to give back to those who supported the team.

The Irish are ranked 3rd in the nation, and they open their season in Colorado against the University of Denver.