In the last 24 hours, Michigan State hockey’s top defensive pairing of senior defenseman Matt Basgall and sophomore defenseman Colin Ralph have both signed AHL tryouts.
Matt Basgall
MSU hockey’s Matt Basgall and Colin Ralph sign tryouts and contracts
MSU senior defender and captain, Matt Basgall (9) searches for an open teammate to pass to during the MSU versus Penn State Men's Hockey game at Michigan State University's Munn Ice Arena on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025
Basgall signed an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) with the San Diego Gulls, the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. The ATO, signed yesterday, allows him to play for the Gulls for the rest of the season in hopes of signing a three-year entry level contract in the future. Basgall was undrafted throughout his collegiate career.
Basgall finished the season with 20 points (4-16--20), including one goal and one assist in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Basgall played in all 150 games under coach Adam Nightingale, who took over the program during his freshman year. He captained the team in the 2025-26 season after serving as an alternate captain the year before. Frequently called the team’s “rock,” he helped lead Michigan State to back-to-back Big Ten Tournament championships and three consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles.
Colin Ralph
Ralph signed a three-year entry level contract with the St. Louis Blues today which will begin with the 2026-27 season. He will join the Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, for a professional tryout. Ralph was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, 48th overall.
Basgall Ralph finished his sophomore season with 11 points (1-10--11) in 37 games. He led the team in blocks with 48. Ralph transferred to MSU after spending his first season at St. Cloud State, helping the team to its Big Ten regular season championship.
READ MORE
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
