As Notre Dame’s program has risen to national prominence, Christian Hanson’s name has always been tossed about in discussions. After all, when your father played a leading role in one of the best known hockey movies of all time, there’s no doubt you’ll draw some attention every time you take the ice.

But as the Fighting Irish have risen to the top of national rankings this week, Hanson has begun drawing attention for his own leading role - a main impetus of Notre Dame’s 10-game unbeaten streak.

Christian Hanson

The 6-foot-4, 228 pound center has been on an absolute tear of late, scoring 5 goals and adding 7 assists for 12 points in the team’s last five contests. Now, they aren’t all the prettiest goals you’ll ever see, but that’s just the way Hanson and Notre Dame like it.

“For our team to succeed, we have to score dirty goals,” Hanson said. “You’re seeing that now — we had that weekend against Miami where we didn’t have any goals within five feet and we lost both games. That’s something we work on in practice every week.”

During their two losses to Miami and throughout several extended stretches last year, the Irish have struggled to find the back of the net while playing around the perimeter of the offensive zone. But once Notre Dame locks on the goaltender and starts its charge, no one has been able to find an answer.

Perhaps the best example of the bull-like mentality that has helped Hanson to a team-best 18 points on the year came Nov. 21 against Bowling Green. With the clock winding down in the second period, Hanson broke a stick and began to head to the bench before defenseman Teddy Ruth handed Hanson his stick - a defenseman’s stick that was much heavier than Hanson’s usual model - and sent him back into the play.

“I looked up and saw there was about five seconds left, so I just wanted to get a shot on goal,” Hanson said. “The first one got blocked, but I had momentum from the ten pounds of Ruth’s stick and I’m not sure if it went in on the second whack or the third one.”

Hanson began to make great strides last season, scoring 13 goals and 9 assists in 47 games after notching just 11 points in his first 56 games at Notre Dame. According to Coach Jeff Jackson, the key has been for Hanson to bring a strong work ethic to each and every game, and Hanson’s continual improvement of how to use his size effectively.

“Christian is learning to compete every night,” said Jackson. “When he competes every night with his size and skill level, he’s a factor. He’s really becoming a more dominant player over the last couple of years. I’m proud of him. I’m proud of where he’s come from. He plays with that edge that allows him to be a very productive player.”

One way Hanson has been able to learn to use his size is by watching NHL games and seeing how players with similar size use their bodies effectively. Calgary Flames’ left winger Todd Bertuzzi has been one particularly influential example for Hanson as he grows as a player.

“I watch lot of NHL hockey to see how the big guys do it,” Hanson said. “It’s something that I’ve gotten more comfortable with as I’ve matured.”