“You go to Michigan State to beat teams like Michigan,” junior defenseman Torey Krug said. “You know, if you don’t have that hatred for Michigan, then I don’t think you’re a true Spartan. It’s just that confidence thing.

“I know every time that Michigan State goes up against Michigan, I’m confident in our team and I’m excited to watch a game like that.”

In the era since the Cold War hockey game at Spartan Stadium — which set a then-world record for the largest crowd at an ice hockey game on October 6, 2001 — there have been few series more competitive than MSU and U-M.

During the past 11 seasons, the teams have played to an even 21-21-10 series record and have developed a history of playing in close series. Even last season when the Spartans were beaten handily 5-0 in The Big Chill at the Big House, the teams combined for a 2-2 record.

Despite being in his first year at the helm of the program, head coach Tom Anastos has an expectation to beat the Wolverines. During his Spartan playing career from 1981-85, Anastos’ teams compiled a 15-2-1 record against U-M under former head coach Ron Mason.

“We know everybody will be excited to play, but we talked about being emotionally engaged in this series because it’s necessary,” Anastos said. “The emotional level raises significantly. At the same time, you have to be able to control that emotion and have a certain level of discipline so you don’t allow emotion to become a problem.”

In the past 10 games, the Spartans have earned an 8-1-1 mark and quickly are becoming one of college hockey’s toughest opponents. The Spartans average 3.20 goals per game and have seen the results of their aggressive style of play with wins against Minnesota and Western Michigan.

Coming off a series with the CCHA’s last place team Bowling Green, the Spartans understand U-M is a very different beast. Compared to the Falcons’ 1.17 goals per game, U-M averages three goals per game and are hungry for a win, after securing just one since Nov. 5.

Hail to the champs
As the MSU hockey team continues to build for a championship, the program pauses to honor a team that reached that ultimate goal.

Several of the players from the 1985-86 team and Mason will return to Munn Ice Arena to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their title. The team will be introduced on the ice between the first and second periods.

Anastos — who was teammates with the seniors, juniors and sophomores on the 1986 team — will host the players for a pregame meal, a postgame banquet and a tour of campus this weekend.

“It’ll be great to see them,” Anastos said. “I always joke that we had the team that was called “The Dream Team” in 1985 and once they got rid of the dead wood like Anastos, (Lyle) Phair, (Kelly) Miller and (Dan) McFall, then they actually won something.”