Michigan Vs Michigan State Hockey Game
A Brief History of the Rivalry
The Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans are two of the most storied hockey programs in college sports. They have been competing against each other for over 90 years, and their rivalry is one of the most intense in all of hockey.
The first game between these two longstanding rivals was played on January 5, 1922, and Michigan State won 4-1. Since then, the two teams have played each other every year, with a few exceptions.
The rivalry between the Wolverines and the Spartans grew even more intense in the 1950s and 1960s as the two teams began to compete in the same conference. Michigan was a founding member of the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association) in 1951, and Michigan State joined the conference in 1959. The two teams played each other multiple times per year as conference rivals, and their games were always highly anticipated.
Over the years, the two teams have played each other in several high-stakes matchups, including conference championships, NCAA tournaments, and even the Frozen Four. In total, they have played each other over 300 times, with Michigan holding a slight edge in the overall series record.
The Modern Era of the Rivalry
Today, the Michigan-Michigan State hockey rivalry is as fierce as ever. The two teams still compete in the same conference (the Big Ten) and play each other multiple times per year. Their games always draw large crowds and generate a lot of excitement, both on and off the ice.
The most recent matchup between the Wolverines and the Spartans took place on January 10, 2020, at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing. The game was highly anticipated, as both teams were ranked in the top 20 nationally and were jockeying for position in the Big Ten standings.
Michigan got off to a fast start, scoring two goals in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. But Michigan State responded with two goals of their own in the second period to tie the game. The two teams battled back and forth in the third period, but neither was able to score, and the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
The Players to Watch
The Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans both have talented rosters filled with players to watch.
For Michigan, one player to keep an eye on is Owen Power. Power is a freshman defenseman who is widely considered one of the top prospects in college hockey. He is already making an impact for the Wolverines, with three goals and eight assists in his first 14 games.
Another player to watch for Michigan is Thomas Bordeleau. Bordeleau is a freshman forward who has shown a lot of skill and creativity with the puck. He leads the Wolverines in scoring with seven goals and 11 assists through his first 14 games.
For Michigan State, one player to keep an eye on is Charlie Combs. Combs is a junior forward who has emerged as one of the Spartans' top offensive threats this season. He leads the team in goals with 11 and is tied for the team lead in points with 17.
Another player to watch for Michigan State is Drew DeRidder. DeRidder is a sophomore goaltender who has been outstanding this season. He currently leads the Big Ten in save percentage (.936) and goals against average (1.54).
What to Expect in the Future
The Michigan-Michigan State hockey rivalry shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Both teams have talented rosters and passionate fanbases, and their games always generate a lot of excitement.
Looking ahead, the two teams are scheduled to play each other multiple times per year for the foreseeable future. Their next matchup will take place on February 8, 2021, at Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor.
Whether you're a fan of the Wolverines or the Spartans, or just a casual hockey fan looking for some exciting action, the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry is not to be missed.
