Notre Dame Vs Michigan State Hockey
Hockey has been one of the most popular sports in the United States for decades. The excitement of watching players glide on ice while maneuvering a small puck with their sticks has made hockey a favorite for sports enthusiasts nationwide. One of the biggest rivalries in college hockey is between the University of Notre Dame and Michigan State University.
The History of Notre Dame vs Michigan State Hockey Rivalry
The rivalry between Notre Dame and Michigan State hockey teams goes all the way back to the early 1920s. Both universities have a rich history in hockey, and their rivalry has only grown stronger over the years.
One of the most memorable moments of this rivalry happened in 2013 when Notre Dame and Michigan State faced off in the NCAA tournament. The game was tied at 1-1 until Notre Dame scored with just 24 seconds left in regulation to win the game 2-1. That victory helped Notre Dame advance to the Frozen Four, while Michigan State's season ended in heartbreak.
Notre Dame Hockey Team Overview
The Notre Dame hockey team is one of the best in the country, with an impressive record of 26-8-3 in the 2019-2020 season. They have made it to the NCAA tournament 14 times and have been the runner-up twice (2008 and 2011). They are led by head coach Jeff Jackson, who has been at the helm since 2005.
One of the standout players on the team is junior forward Alex Steeves, who had a remarkable season in 2019-2020, scoring 15 goals and 28 assists. He was recently named to the All-Big Ten Second Team and is expected to be one of Notre Dame's key players in the upcoming season.
Michigan State Hockey Team Overview
The Michigan State hockey team has also had its fair share of success, with 11 NCAA tournament appearances and three national championships (1966, 1986, and 2007). They finished the 2019-2020 season with a 15-19-2 record and are coached by Danton Cole.
One of the top players on the team is sophomore forward Mitchell Lewandowski, who led the team in scoring last season with 14 goals and 16 assists. He was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team and will be looking to build on his success in the upcoming season.
Noteworthy Matchups
Over the years, Notre Dame and Michigan State have played in some thrilling matchups. One of the most memorable games between the two teams happened in 1987 when Notre Dame scored four goals in the third period to come back from a 4-1 deficit to tie Michigan State.
Another memorable game happened in 1997 when Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 3-2 in overtime to win the CCHA championship. It was Notre Dame's first conference championship in 23 years, and it capped off an incredible season for the Fighting Irish.
Conclusion
The rivalry between Notre Dame and Michigan State hockey teams is one of the most intense and exciting in college hockey. Both teams have a rich history in the sport and have produced some of the best players in the country. As the two teams prepare to face off in the upcoming season, fans can expect a thrilling game from start to finish.
