Michigan State hockey begins its season Saturday with an exhibition match versus the US National Team Development Program. Here are a trio of players who could be big factors in Adam Nightingale's first season as MSU's head coach.
The Michigan State hockey season is right around the corner and new head coach Adam Nightingale has started the final preparations for the new-look Spartans.
Christian and Cole Krygier have played alongside each other from peewee, to juniors, all the way to Michigan State. The Krygiers were a package and don’t really know hockey in any other way.
“It was really cool,” Gucciardi said. “It's something I've been working for my whole life. To have that goal achieved means a lot to me."
A left-shot defenseman, he recorded five goals and six assists in 36 games, including a dynamite three goals in two games during the Great Lakes Invitational.
Standing at a giant 6-foot-8, 235 pounds, Sparkes is a Toronto native who played the 2021-22 season with the St. Michael’s Buzzers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
While sports outside of football and basketball are often overlooked, there’s been a significant revamp in these four programs to try and jumpstart some success.
MSU could have two defensemen picked in the 2022 draft: David Gucciardi and Jack Sparkes.
There are still some bright moments to reflect on from the 12-23-1 season. Fans were welcomed back into the stands and the Spartans added some young players that showed promise.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 191 pounds, Hurtig travels over from Sweden where he most recently played in the J20 Nationell league and accumulated six goals and 11 assists splitting time for the Växjö Lakers and Mora IK.
For Nightingale, the pitch shifts to being the one to change it all.
Michigan State and new head coach Adam Nightingale welcomed a new face Monday to the 2022-23 roster, forward Karsen Dorwart.
After the commencement of non-conference play, Big Ten play is slated to begin in January 2023 with the Spartans expected to play all six Big Ten programs at home and on the road.
"Mike is another great addition to our staff who has recruited and developed talented players and quality student-athletes that have turned around the fortunes of two college hockey programs," Nightingale said in a statement.
Only time will tell if Nightingale can bring Michigan State back to the promised land, but one thing is for certain, there is new life in the Munn Ice Arena.
Michigan State Hockey has found its new associate head coach in Jared DeMichiel.
Whenever a program hires a new head coach, roster change is expected. Nightingale has certainly met that expectation and it is safe to say that Michigan State hockey will look much different on the ice next season.
Christian Krygier will be joining his twin brother Cole, who announced earlier this year that he is also returning to the Spartans next season.
Nightingale is more than just a Michigan State alum, he’s a modern hockey coach.
Michigan State hockey to hire Adam Nightingale as its new head coach.