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Sports | Ice Hockey

ICE HOCKEY

OT loss to Wisconsin ends chapter for MSU hockey seniors

Michigan State hockey’s 4-3 overtime loss to Wisconsin marked the end of an era that's been characterized by an MSU hockey rebuild. Next season will be the first season under coach Adam Nightingale without seniors Tiernan Shoudy, Matt Basgall and Daniel Russell, a trio that has laid the groundwork for what Spartan hockey currently is. Senior center Charlie Stramel and junior goaltender Trey Augustine have also left their marks as impactful players in the last couple seasons. The future of MSU hockey now lies in the hands of those who didn’t know MSU as a bottom of the Big Ten program. 

ICE HOCKEY

MSU faces Wisconsin with Frozen Four berth at stake

No. 1-seeded Michigan State hockey will face Wisconsin, the No. 3 regional seed. Puck drop is set for 4:36 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. The game will be streamed on ESPN.  The Spartans (26-8-2) advanced to the regional final after defeating UConn 2-1, and the Badgers (22-12-2) upset Dartmouth 5-1.

ICE HOCKEY

Grit and goaltending carry MSU hockey past UConn

Michigan State hockey was backed by an excellent goaltending performance from Trey Augustine, paired resiliency to take a 2-1 win over UConn. MSU took five penalties throughout the game, but responded with successful kills and executed goals. The Spartans advance to the final round of regionals in the NCAA Tournament and will face Wisconsin for a chance at advancing to the Frozen Four.

ICE HOCKEY

By the Numbers: Breaking down MSU hockey vs. UConn

While numbers will never fully encompass a team or player, they can still provide insight into Michigan State hockey’s upcoming contest against UConn. MSU holds a better scoring offense and defense compared to the Huskies, with its top line generating more goals and points. However, UConn blocks far more shots than the Spartans with a tight defensive zone. The goaltenders are neck and neck, with Trey Augustine holding a narrow edge statistically. The No. 1-seeded Spartans are set to face the No. 4 Huskies in the Worcester Regional, the first rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Puck drop is set for 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, at DCU Arena. 

ICE HOCKEY

Staying true to itself will drive MSU hockey’s postseason

Michigan State hockey doesn’t need a superhero in the NCAA Tournament; it needs a team that stays true to its identity. It needs veteran leadership, seniors who have felt the sting of single-elimination games. It needs the 11 freshmen who spread enthusiasm at the rink, and have harnessed that under pressure. And it needs a team that’s hungry to win. Coach Adam Nightingale is only asking his team to be itself.

ICE HOCKEY

Scouting the region: No. 1 seed MSU hockey to open Worcester Regional

Michigan State hockey, the No. 1 seed in the Worcester Regional, will open NCAA Tournament play against the No. 4 UConn Huskies on Thursday, with the winner facing either Dartmouth Big Green or Wisconsin Badgers. Spartans forward Nightingale highlighted the challenge ahead, saying, “It's not easy to make this tournament… whoever you're going to play, you're going to play a good team.”

ICE HOCKEY

Six MSU hockey members received Big Ten postseason honors

Michigan State hockey had six players earn Big Ten postseason honors, led by four First Team selections and major awards for Trey Augustine (Goaltender of the Year) and Matt Basgall (Defensive Player of the Year). Head coach Adam Nightingale was also named Coach of the Year, highlighting another standout season for the Spartans.

ICE HOCKEY

MSU hockey brings proven identity headed into post-season

With 13 new faces on the roster, Michigan State hockey still won the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans established an identity over their 34 games of the regular season and finished 25-7-2 overall, 16-6-2 in the Big Ten. They showed resilience, created an offensive identity, grew defensively and finished in high-stakes games — simulating situations to come in tournament play.