Lot’s of excitement around Spartan Hockey
Lots of exciting news coming from Munn and the MSU hockey team recently. Spartan hockey has been on a roll with recent sweeps of Ohio State and Notre Dame. The sweeps put the Spartans on a 7 game win streak, which is the third longest such streak since 2000. This past weekend output also sees the Spartans moving up to number 2 in the rankings.
MSU was seeing nothing but net against Notre Dame as all but two players (both defenders) had scoring contributions. Daniel Russell has remained extremely hot to lead the team in 7 goals. Five of those seven goals have been game winners, a category in which he leads the nation. Trey Augustine has continued to hold up the net. Improved power play production and less penalty minutes have all helped MSU continue to show signs that this season could be something special.
Current events are not the only bright spots on the program. MSU will be playing collegiate hockey juggernaut iNorth Dakota n the 2026 Hall of Fame Game. This game is always a big one to hockey enthusiasts and it is definitely special to be invited. Coach Nightingale said,
“It promises to be an outstanding matchup between two storied college hockey programs that combined have won 11 NCAA National Championships. We are honored to be a part of this fantastic event.”
The Spartans have been hot on the recruiting trail recently as well. They just landed left winger Nikita Klepov. This was a big get for State and he immediately goes to a tie at the top of pipeline prospects coming in. Keplov excels at puck control through traffic and getting it to the net. Late October they added goaltender Melvin Strahl who has already been drafted by Columbus. Having both of these players coming to East Lansing really showcases how great a coach Nightingale is. He is an excellent recruiter and it is becoming known that MSU is a destination to play to win and to get in the NHL.
Tonight the Spartans faced off in an exhibition with the US national Team Development Program. This is the 19th time the two have faced off and the third time playing in Plymouth. Five current Spartans played their junior hockey in the program including; Trey Augustine, Red Savage, Isaac Howard, Charlie Stramel and Shane Vansaghi. Nightingale even served as the head coach for Team USA from 2020-22. This game is taking place in the third annual Spartans Full Strength program for November. It honors those affected by cancer and spotlights cancer awareness. This game in particular has a bit more of a personal feel as $5 from each ticket sold will be going to the Matt Dechamps family. Matt Dechamps is an assistant at that school down the road and Nightingale and Dechamps played together in the ECHL. Dechamps’ wife, Kelly, was recently diagnosed with Stage III inflammatory breast cancer. It’s a class act gesture by Nightingale to help get this support for his friend. The stadium was standing room only tonight.
MSU continued it’s offensive onslaught defeating the USNTDP 6-2. MSU out shot USNTDP 40-19. Each line continues to be effective offensively and have maintained a very similar output of efficiency. Isaac Howard led the way with a goal and two assists while Matt Basgall notched two assists. The Spartans have 18 goals over their last three games with Lindenwood coming to East Lansing Thanksgiving weekend. Hopefully the Spartans head into Wisconsin on a 9 game heater.
There is clearly a great deal happening and to be optimistic about on the ice so get on the Zamboni before it’s too late. Go Green!