MSU players celebrate their 7th goal against Notre Dame at Munn Ice Arena on Nov. 15, 2024. Michigan State took the win 8-3.
Rivalry week has arrived for the No. 1 Michigan State University hockey team.
After a split weekend against Penn State, highlighted by a 6-4 comeback win and a 2-2 shootout tie, the 18-2-2 Spartans gear up for their first matchup this season against in-state rival Michigan in a home-and-home series.
"Playing Michigan this weekend — I’m excited about it," head coach Adam Nightingale said. A Spartan alum, Nightingale had experienced the rivalry as both a player and coach.
The Spartans’ top offensive line of juniors Isaac Howard, Charlie Stramel and Daniel Russell have combined for 44 points in 11 games, including 11 points against Penn State last weekend.
Six of the 11 points from the top line came from Howard, with five goals on the weekend and an assist. Russell said the puck just seems to be going into the back of the net for Howard, and said that he needs to just keep on shooting.
"He’s got a really good shot, he’s shooting and it’s going in right now," Russell said. "Just tell him to keep shooting."
The rivals last met in Maryland Heights, Missouri, during the NCAA Tournament, where Michigan rallied in the third period to win 5-2 and advance to its third straight Frozen Four. The loss has fueled the Spartans throughout the 2024-25 season.
Against Penn State, the Spartans struggled with discipline, taking unnecessary penalties that led to power-play goals. Nightingale emphasized the importance of staying composed against Michigan to avoid costly mistakes.
"You’ve got to play between the whistles, we don’t need to get into any of the after the whistle stuff and take dumb penalties," Russell said. "I think it’s just stay disciplined, keep your emotions in check a little bit, try to make that fuel you for in between the whistles."
While most Spartans have experienced the intensity of this rivalry, freshmen and transfers will face the challenge of Yost Arena’s rowdy crowd for the first time.
"I think just growing up in the state of Michigan, this is where this one’s different in every sport. You grow up on either green or blue," Nightingale said. "For our guys, especially our guys that are from the area or the guys here last year, they understand that it’s a special thing. You look at the fan bases, how important it is for them and the alumni base."
After Friday’s game at Yost Arena in Ann Arbor, MSU returns to Munn Ice Arena for a three-game homestand, reigniting the energy of the 'Munnsters' for the rivalry.
MSU will play Michigan at Yost Ice Arena on Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. and return to Munn Ice Arena for a 7:30 p.m. puck drop on Saturday, Jan. 18.
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