Casali took home MVP honors as MSU got revenge on Grand Valley, 6-3, to become the national champions for the first time since 2007. Casali was an integral part of the run that crowned them champions of the 181-team division, head coach Jim Martin said.

“He’s our team captain this year and really leads by example,” Martin said. “Every time he hits the ice he plays with this great intensity, and he motivates the guys through how he personally does on the ice.”

The team captain scored nine points in four national tournament games. Casali said his leadership was necessary in order to lead a freshman-heavy team.

“I realized that there’s an importance of the fine line between leading by words and leading by example,” he said. “In a situation like this, leading by example is extremely effective, especially for the younger kids looking up to the upperclassmen.”

Martin said it was great to see a wealth of freshman contribute to the title run.

“They were really excited,” Martin said. “It’s their first year with the team, and it’s amazing that so many freshman contributed with our goals and just playing their hearts out in the tournament.”

Forward Alec Arthur said it’s special to be able to end his college hockey career with a national championship.

“We were in the 3rd period with a 5-0 lead,” the accounting senior said. “We knew if we took care of business, we were going to win the game.”

It was the 3rd championship win of Martin’s head coaching career. He said seeing the seniors who lost in 2011 bounce back this year is a great accomplishment.

“It’s a game they played their whole life, in elementary school, middle school, high school,” he said. “To win in a championship really means a lot.”

This is the third club national championship title for MSU this year, as the men’s and women’s club soccer teams both won in their respective athletic fields.