After putting 46 shots on goal, MSU found a pocket as junior forward Isaac Howard, the Hobey Baker candidate, ripped the puck from the top of the circle off of a stunning assist from junior forward Karsen Dorwart and helped the team punch their ticket to the Big Ten championship game, preventing the Irish from putting any goals on net and taking a 1-0 victory.

“It’s not always going to go in, but you can create momentum. I thought we got clean ice there again, at the end of the second the ice was pretty beat up. Obviously a heck of a play, I think it was Karsen (Dorwart) who passed to Ike (Howard) and obviously he’s got a gift to shoot it and it was good to see him get rewarded,” head coach Adam Nightingale said.

MSU dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 33 draws to Notre Dame’s 13. Strong play at the dot has been a theme for the Spartans all season, helping their defensemen generate shots from the blue line. Though UND netminder Owen Say stood tall, MSU still managed 46 shots on goal.

The shutout marked sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine’s third of the season, following blank sheets against Lindenwood (4-0) and Canisius (3-0) earlier in the year. It was MSU’s first playoff shutout since a 3-0 win over Miami (Ohio) in the 2013 CCHA quarterfinals.

An electric Munn Ice Arena

Munn Ice Arena has cemented itself as one of college hockey’s top atmospheres. As soon as the puck dropped, MSU fans erupted with the signature “Go Green! Go White!” chant, setting the tone for a raucous night.

“We were definitely ready to play hockey. We knew Notre Dame was kind of getting hot, we knew they were going to come in and be a good team and be a good challenge,” Howard said. “We love playing at home ice and I think that kind of fuels us. I think you look around, everyone just loves stepping onto the ice, seeing the building rocking. It’s kind of what college hockey is all about.” 

The newly revitalized Munnsters, MSU’s student section, brought the energy for their third straight home playoff game. Students lined up outside Munn hours before puck drop, eager to claim their spots and fuel the Spartans.

“I thought the Munnsters were rocking, they were here at one in the morning,” Nightingale said. “There was a ton of juice in the building and I thought they were really into the game.”

Howard’s 100th career point

Howard’s goal wasn’t just the game-winner — it was historic. His 24th tally of the season marked his 100th career point. Since transferring from Minnesota-Duluth, Howard has established himself as an offensive powerhouse while also earning a role on the penalty kill with improved defensive play.

But the goal wouldn’t have been possible without the set up. Off of the face-off heading into the third period, the Spartans started with 32 seconds left on a man advantage and were immediately 

Though the entire building was fired up the entirety of the game with passionate fans, the environment hit a whole other level after the game winner just seconds into the final 20 minutes. The forward said it was loud, exciting and truly felt like a playoff hockey atmosphere. 

“I think that’s what it’s all about,” Howard said. “The roof was kind of coming off of the building there, just loving that place. Gets so loud and exciting and definitely felt like a playoff atmosphere. It was really fun.”

MSU will host its second consecutive Big Ten championship game at Munn Ice Arena on Saturday, March 15, facing Ohio State. The Buckeyes secured their spot with a thrilling overtime win over Penn State, the nation’s hottest team, on a Gunnarwolfe Fontaine goal off a neutral zone turnover. The game will air on Big Ten Network, with the time to be determined.