Making history: MSU hockey defeats Michigan in Big Ten championship game

As the clock chimed and the crowd inside Mann Ice Arena stood up, the winning goal sailed past the University of Michigan's goaltender, hit the side of the post and went into the net. Freshman defenseman Patrick Geary, who scored the winning goal, skated toward freshman goaltender Trey Augustin, followed by his teammates. The Spartans accomplished their mission to become not only the Big Ten regular season champions, but the Big Ten Tournament champions by every measure. One season.

Geary, one of the heroes of the game, said senior goaltender John More was the player who helped solidify his shot, saying he yelled “shoot the puck” before he took the ball to the net. I remember hearing that.A total of 11 Spartans were on the scoresheet in the big game, including Geary, who had the assist to give the team the win. goal.

“I just got the puck and the third goalie, John More, told me to shoot, so I put my head down and broke the puck and then at the last moment I looked up and I saw the puck go in,” Geary said. “I looked at (Augustin) because obviously he was a big reason why we won that game,” Geary said. Said.

This historic season marks only the third time in Big Ten Conference history that a team has been crowned Big Ten regular season champion and tournament champion. However, this feat is a first for them. Spartans.

Despite playing against an in-state rival, the home crowd remained wild, drowning out the cheers of the maize and blue fans in the arena and chanting for the home team. Completely transformed from last season to this season, the Michigan State University men's hockey team has earned the respect of the local crowd through continued hard work and necessity as a hockey town in the East Region. Lansing.

“I think we've sold out 20 games in a row now and it was standing room only. We have people lining up to get in here at 4 a.m. This is a hockey town,” head coach Adam said. Told. Nightingale said. “It goes back to Ron (Mason) laying the foundation and making it a hockey town and making it world-class. community. “

Michigan State won at home and had home-ice advantage for the entire tournament after winning against Wisconsin in the final week to earn the tournament's No. 1 seed and the Big Ten regular-season title.Periodic season.

“I was especially excited to be able to do it at home,” Nightingale said. “If you look at the players that came here, I think you could argue that that game might have been the biggest game in Man's history, and if you look at what we're aiming for, we still have a lot to do. There's work left to do. So, “That crowd was great, they were great last week. They've been great all year, and for them to stick with us and believe in us, we're I know I had to earn it, but I think that makes it even better.” special. “

For Augustin in particular, his 2024 season was surprising. He led the U.S. World Junior Team to a gold medal at the Sweden Games in early January, playing as a hardcore defensive netminder and being the tournament's Most Valuable Player, making 33 saves against his team. Wolverines.

“It's surreal, especially being in front of your home crowd, and to be honest, I don't know when I'll get an opportunity like this again,” Augustin said. Said.

The Spartans had a chance to play in several trophy games last season, but only lost in a shootout to Michigan Tech in the Great Lakes Invitational. However, the Spartans went on to win three trophy games, including the Duel in the D, the regular season Big Ten title and the Big Ten Tournament. Nightingale, who is in his second season at Michigan State, understands the importance of those games and honestly understands what it means to have the opportunity to play with such high stakes. There is. game.

This victory does not end the season for Michigan State, as the team will advance to the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament. Our mindset for this tournament has remained the same throughout the season: to play each game one at a time and focus on each day at a time. time.

“We're going to find out who we're going to play against. Our job is to get ready and start preparing,” Nightingale said. “It doesn't matter the team. I think all these teams have earned their chances. We have to prepare for where we are.” I'm playing. ”

The Michigan State Spartans will now compete in the NCAA Frozen Four Tournament as an automatically qualified team and are awaiting word on location, playing times and dates. All information will be announced on ESPNU on Sunday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. ESPN+.