MSU ended the first half of its season with a first-place finish at the Great Lakes Invitational in Grand Rapids, beating No. 4 Western Michigan 3-1 to earn its first GLI win since 2009. Before traveling to Chicago, MSU will host Wisconsin for a home tilt on Thursday, Jan. 2.

“We have a big opportunity playing tomorrow. We haven’t played at home in a while and we’ve only got seven home games left, so we’re trying to take advantage of that and then we will start talking about the outdoor game,” MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said during a press conference Wednesday. “I think enjoying the experience is important. You don't get to do this very often, and playing at a venue like Wrigley, that’s going to be really special for our guys.”

After the GLI, MSU has gathered momentum heading into its first Big Ten matchup in the second half of the season and some confidence for backup goaltender sophomore Luce Di Pasquo, who earned the tournament MVP with his fifth win of the season and second career shutout against WMU. 

“(Di Pasquo's) a great team guy and that’s everyone’s job, you’ve got to be ready when your number is called,” Nightingale said. “You don’t know when it’s going to be called or if it’s going to be called. Our guys really respect Luca. He’s a great teammate, he pushes (sophomore goalie) Trey (Augustine) and he did a heck of a job for us and he has every time his number has been called.”

Playing a big-time game on an outdoor rink in a historic stadium is something new for the players on this MSU team, even though the program was a pioneer in the history of outdoor games, dating back to Oct. 2001 at Spartan Stadium.

“Personally, I’m super excited. I grew up in Oregon, so I didn’t really ever get to skate outside, so that’s going to be awesome,” junior forward Karsen Dorwart said. “And just a pretty historic field. I can’t wait to get there, it’s going to be awesome.”

Playing at a high level on an outdoor rink is a dream for hockey players. MSU junior defenseman Matt Basgall is anticipating the return to his home city and Wrigley Field, even though he cheered for the White Sox growing up. 

"I lived (in Chicago) my entire life, grew up, was born just outside the city, so it’s incredible,” Basgall said. “A ton of history there obviously, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the turnout there, see how the event is and we will be under the lights at eight o’clock, so it’ll be awesome.”

MSU and Wisconsin will battle at Munn Ice Arena on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m. before making the trip to Chicago on Saturday, Jan. 4 for a 9 p.m. puck drop at Wrigley Field.