It was always Jim Slater's intention to stay at MSU for four years in hopes of winning a college hockey championship with the team.
Many wondered whether the forward would forego his final year of eligibility after the kind of season he wrapped up in the spring, much like goaltender Ryan Miller did after Slater's freshman year.
With the opportunity to suit up as a professional player with the Atlanta Thrashers within his grasp, Slater is more optimistic about the upcoming season - as a Spartan.
"With the team we have back and the freshmen coming in, this is the year to really do something in league play and be back in the national polls," Slater said. "Everyone knows our (senior) class has not won anything but we're not looking to what we haven't done, we're looking for what we can do."
Slater has a strong supporting cast returning in hopes of leading MSU through the postseason, including senior forward Mike Lalonde and sophomore forward Tommy Goebel, his linemates for much of last year. In the 12 games following Goebel's return from mononucleosis, the trio finished first, second and third in team scoring, respectively.
Also returning is junior forward David Booth and sophomore defenseman A.J. Thelen, were drafted in June by Florida Panthers and Minnesota, respectively.
"When I heard my name called, my heart dropped," Thelen told The State News in late June. "My parents were joking with me that now they can stay home instead of having to drive everywhere to see me."
Thelen had an impressive first year, becoming the only Spartans rookie ever to be named to the All-CCHA First Team, along with being named the conference's Best Offensive Defenseman.
"A.J., we expect great things from him," MSU assistant coach Brian Renfrew said. "But we don't want him coming back and viewing the pressure of doing this and this - just take the steps (of developing) accordingly."
Thelen was selected 12th overall, and Booth 53rd overall.
"My focus is to get better each year - otherwise, this drafting means nothing," Booth told The State News in late June. "I have to produce or otherwise they'll wonder if I'm really a player."
In goal, sophomore Dominic Vicari and senior Matt Migliaccio return.
"Dom obviously finished (last season) up on a tough note but it's a complete learning experience," Renfrew said. "I don't think we can count Migliaccio out - he went in and played very well at Ohio State and at Alaska."
In order to succeed, the Spartans need some luck staying healthy and need to get past the inconsistency of last year - putting the puck in the net when they need goals and stringing together back-to-back wins more often.
"I thought we were good last year, we just didn't score at the right time," Slater said. "Like every year, we need more guys stepping up - that's how you win games."
