As much as Notre Dame is looking forward to playing Big Ten competition, the nonconference schedule is just as exciting. We know this because that schedule for the 2022-23 season has been announced. When you look at quite the number of high-profile opponents the Irish have scheduled, this is the exact measuring stick you want to see what kind of team you have.

The season officially begins with a trip to Colorado and the 2022 Ice Breaker Tournament. The Irish will begin that with a game against defending national champion Denver, followed by one at the Air Force Academy. This will be the Irish’s sixth time in this tournament, which they won in 2012 and 2018.

Of note, the opening home slate against Northern Michigan will be played on two nonconsecutive days so that neither game conflicts with the football team’s home game against Stanford that weekend.

And, of course, it’s always nice to schedule both Boston schools with the rich traditions they have.

Here is the full nonconference schedule:

Oct. 7 at Denver

Apr 9, 2022; Boston, MA, USA; Denver defenseman Sean Behrens (2) hoists the trophy after they defeated Minnesota State in the 2022 Frozen Four college ice hockey national championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 8 at Air Force

Feb 15, 2020; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; United States Air Force Cadets cheer during the second period against the Los Angeles Kings during a Stadium Series hockey game at U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Stadium. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 14 and 16 vs. Northern Michigan

Sam Hentges of St. Cloud State and Philip Beaulieu of Northern Michigan battle for control of the puck during the Saturday, Oct. 20, game at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center in St. Cloud.

Oct. 21 vs. Western Michigan; Oct. 22 at Western Michigan

Northeastern’s Devon Levi didn’t quite clear the puck in time as Western Michigan’s Luke Grainger (9) netted a Friday overtime winner in the first round of the NCAAs at the DCU Center.

Nov. 23 at Boston University

BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 14: The Boston University Terriers celebrate after winning the Beanpot against the Northeastern Huskies 1-0 during NCAA hockey in the championship game of the annual Beanpot Hockey Tournament at TD Garden on February 14, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)

Nov. 25 at Boston College

BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 14: Liam Izyk #26 of the Boston College Eagles and teammate Aidan Hreschuk #7 celebrate a goal by teammate Colby Ambrosio #27 against the Harvard Crimson during the second period of the consolation game in the annual Beanpot Hockey Tournament at TD Garden on February 14, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. It was later announced by officials that the goal was made by Liam Izyk #26 and not by Colby Ambrosio #27. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)

Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 vs. Alaska Fairbanks

February 18, 2022, Fairbanks, Alaska; Downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, February 18, 2022. Jessica Koscielniak-USA TODAY

Story originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire