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Ice Hockey

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey shuts down Michigan, climbs to top of Big Ten and nation

Audrey Dayton
February 7, 2026

After dropping the series opener 4-3 in overtime, No. 2 Michigan State hockey faced No. 1 Michigan at Little Caesar’s Arena for their annual Duel in the D contest. The Spartans took an early lead that they built upon throughout the night. Despite giving up a couple goals, MSU's defense earned it a 5-2 victory. With the win, the Spartans take first place in the Big Ten standings, leading Michigan by just one point. The rivalry win was necessary for the Spartans to have a shot at regular-season conference champs. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey set for rivalry matchup at No. 1 Michigan

Audrey Dayton
February 5, 2026

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will face off against No. 1 Michigan this weekend, opening the two-game series at Yost Ice Arena before concluding it at Little Caesar’s Arena for their annual Duel in the D contest. The series will impact who wins the Big Ten regular-season title. Getting to the inside offensively will be key to the Spartans' success.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey set for No. 5 Penn State series and outdoor contest

Audrey Dayton
January 29, 2026

In 2001, Michigan State hosted the first-ever outdoor hockey game, making history for both college hockey and beyond. Now, the Spartans will travel to Pennsylvania, competing outdoors at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium. No. 2 MSU hockey will face No. 5 Penn State for a two-game series this weekend. The teams will compete on Friday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. EST in Pegula Ice Arena and close out the series on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. EST in Beaver Stadium. Both games are crucial to the race for a Big Ten title and MSU is taking things one day at a time.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey downs Minnesota in effort-driven performance

Audrey Dayton
January 23, 2026

After junior defenseman Maxim Štrbák scored the Spartans’ third goal of the night, he pointed to the sky in tribute to Dan Sturges — just like the DS patches, helmet stickers and Sturges jerseys displayed throughout Munn Ice Arena. No. 2 Michigan State hockey’s Friday night contest against Minnesota marked its first game following the death of Sturges, the team's director of hockey operations. The Spartans skated to a 3-1 win in an effort-and-detail driven performance.

ICE HOCKEY

Dan Sturges leaves lasting mark on MSU hockey

Audrey Dayton
January 22, 2026

Dan Sturges, former Spartan hockey player and Director of Hockey Operations at MSU died on Monday morning. He embodied what the Spartans strive to be: team players, competitors and students of the game. Sturges has left a lasting impact on MSU hockey and the community because of both his role and character.

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey returns home to host Minnesota

Audrey Dayton
January 22, 2026

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will return home, hosting Minnesota after spending two weekends on the road. The Gophers are the only team the Spartans have yet to play in conference action. MSU is 17-5-0 overall (8-4-0 in B1G). The Spartans are coming off a dominant a performance, competing against a Minnesota team with talented players but a poor record compared to its recent seasons.

ICE HOCKEY

Defense and execution power No. 4 MSU to a sweep of No. 2 Wisconsin

Audrey Dayton
January 17, 2026

Prior to No. 4 Michigan State hockey’s matchup against No. 2 Wisconsin, MSU head coach Adam Nightingale said the road series would be a test — a test the Spartans passed. On Thursday night, MSU scored three goals in the second period to earn a 4-3 win. The Spartans didn’t let up the following night; rather, they improved with disciplined defense, strong execution and a stellar goaltender performance, en route to a 4-1 victory and a road sweep. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 4 MSU hockey set for rebound at Wisconsin

Audrey Dayton
January 14, 2026

After getting swept last November, No. 4 MSU hockey is set for a road contest against No. 2 Wisconsin. The series is set for Thursday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. EST and Friday, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. EST. Thursday’s contest will be streamed on Big Ten Network. Both sides' offensive leaders remain the same, although both teams have grown throughout the last months. MSU looks to be the best version of itself, as in any competition.

ICE HOCKEY

Porter Martone earns Big Ten Second Star of the Week

Audrey Dayton
January 13, 2026

No. 4 MSU hockey's Porter Martone was recognized by the Big Ten, earning Second Star of the Week for his weekend performance. Martone posted the best scoring in the conference with five points (3-2--5). He leads the team in goals with 14, ranking second in scoring (14-11--25). This is Martone’s second Big Ten honor of the season, as he was named Third Star on Nov. 18, 2025, following MSU’s sweep of Notre Dame. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey splits series with Ohio State

Audrey Dayton
January 11, 2026

No. 2 MSU hockey resumed conference play on the road against Ohio State. On Friday night, the Spartans earned a 6-2 victory following a quick 4-0 lead in the first period. However, MSU lacked the same grit and execution the following night, falling 2-1 in a performance beneath the team’s standard. 

ICE HOCKEY

No. 2 MSU hockey set for Ohio State road series

Audrey Dayton
January 8, 2026

No. 2 Michigan State hockey will resume conference play against Ohio State, on the road. The series is set for Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. EST and Jan. 10, 5 p.m. EST on Big Ten Plus. MSU enters the series 14-4-0 overall with a 5-3-0 record in the Big Ten. The Spartans are 9-0 on the road (away and neutral sites), coming off a three-game win streak. Forwards Ryker Lee, Porter Martone, Eric Nilson and Shane Vansaghi are expected to return to the lineup after competing in World Juniors, an international ice hockey competition.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey stays busy ahead of exhibition before Big Ten play resumes

Audrey Dayton
January 3, 2026

From international competition to tournament titles, there’s been plenty to keep a Spartan hockey fan busy. No. 3 Michigan State hockey earned its second-straight Great Lakes Invitational title, and will return to Munn Ice Arena for an exhibition game, hosting the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 4 p.m. EST. Additionally, four MSU forwards have been competing in the IIHF World Junior Championships, representing their respective countries.