Friday, May 17, 2024

Ice_Hockey

ICE HOCKEY

Newcomers finding groove for MSU hockey team

The beginning of a new chapter always warrants an adjustment period. Whether it’s a new job, moving to a new city or, in the case of MSU hockey (4-8-2 overall, 3-6-1 CCHA), bringing in 12 new players, getting into a groove takes time.

ICE HOCKEY

Spartans bested by Ohio State 1-0

Tom Anastos said he didn’t want to compare Friday night’s game to a heavyweight boxing match, but it’s difficult to find a better analogy to describe the MSU hockey team’s (4-7-2 overall, 3-5-1 CCHA) 1-0 loss to Ohio State. For 60 minutes, both teams clawed, fought and battled at a mostly even keel, exchanging punch after punch. Almost 58 minutes into the game, the Buckeyes threw a punch that knocked the Spartans out of the match, as Ohio State’s Ryan Dzingel picked up a rebound off MSU freshman goaltender Jake Hildebrand to put away the only score of the night. “It was a style of game that we prepared for,” Anastos, the second-year MSU head coach, said.

ICE HOCKEY

Spartans aim to continue home success against Ohio State

When Ohio State hockey took Spartan ice for its first ever match up at MSU in 1970, the Buckeyes were handed a 4-2 loss. The pattern continued for almost 25 years, as MSU went 29-0-1 against Ohio State at home until Feb. 4, 1994 when the Spartans were defeated, 5-4, by the Buckeyes on home turf.

ICE HOCKEY

Star in the making

Twelve games into the regular season, MSU hockey’s (4-6-2 overall, 3-4-1 CCHA) sophomore forward Matt Berry has emerged as an offensive powerhouse for the Spartans.

ICE HOCKEY

Hildebrand, Yanakeff battle for playing time, opportunities

When Jake Hildebrand was looking at different college hockey programs, he wanted to know if he would have the opportunity to play. The MSU hockey freshman goaltender said he asked head coach Tom Anastos if he would be given that chance as a Spartan, and Anastos said he responded by telling him if he earned ice time, he would be given it.

ICE HOCKEY

Spartans rebound from loss, trump Michigan 7-2

After falling 5-1 to U-M Friday night, Kevin Walrod said the loss was going to provide motivation for the Spartans the following night. Turns out, it provided motivation and then some, as MSU hockey (4-5-1 overall, 3-3-0 CCHA) dominated its cross state rival by a score of 7-2.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU renews rivalry with U-M in weekend series

Growing up in Michigan, the MSU-U-M rivalry simply is a part of life. It’s the line dividing households, cities and the entire Mitten state. It’s the source of those two color combinations that residents display with pride on their clothing, bumper stickers and flags. It’s the matchups that bring out the best and the worst in people, and most of all, it’s not just a game.