Stars return as No. 2 Michigan State reunites its full roster. Can they maintain their dominance against Ohio State?
No. 2/2 Michigan State (14-4-0, 5-3-0 B1G) at Ohio State (6-11-1, 2-6-0 B1G)
WHEN: Friday, January 9 – 6:30 p.m. Saturday, January 10 – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Value City Arena | Columbus, Ohio
LISTEN: Radio MSUSpartans.com | Michigan State Athletics App | WVFN 730 AM Scott Moore (PxP) & Rob Woodward (Color)
WATCH: B1G+ (Both Games)
Spartan hockey is officially back.
Michigan State finally gets the full group back together after more than a month without playing an official game with its complete roster. The Spartans did get back on the ice in late December at the Great Lakes Invitational, going 2–0 while beating Ferris State and Michigan Tech to claim the tournament title. Even in dominant fashion, Michigan State did so without three of its biggest stars.
Captain Porter Martone, along with Ryker Lee and Shane Vansaghi, were all representing their respective countries at the World Junior Hockey Championship.
Sweden ultimately took home the gold medal, while Team Canada—captained by Michigan State’s own Porter Martone—finished with silver. Martone led Team Canada with six goals and added three assists for nine total points, finishing fourth on the team in scoring. While he couldn’t push Canada to a gold medal, Martone now returns to East Lansing with confidence and momentum, rejoining a Spartan team eager to have its leader back in the lineup.
Ryker Lee also made his mark for Team USA, scoring two goals during the tournament, including one against Finland in the quarterfinal round. Lee added an assist and delivered one of the most memorable moments of the tournament, tying a tight game early and igniting the American crowd in Minneapolis.
Shane Vansaghi saw limited opportunities near the bottom of the lineup but contributed when called upon. He finished the tournament without a point and posted a -4 plus/minus, gaining valuable experience on an international stage.
Now, the Spartans are whole again—and it’s time to get back to business.
Michigan State resumes Big Ten play this weekend with a road series in Columbus.
The Spartans currently sit at No. 2 in the national rankings after moving up one spot in the latest poll. Michigan State is led offensively by Porter Martone, who ranks eighth nationally in goals per game (0.69) and 19th in points per game (1.25). Despite missing the GLI, Martone is second on the team in scoring with 20 points (11 goals, 9 assists).
But this team isn’t built on offense alone.
Michigan State boasts one of the best defensive units in the country, anchored by junior goaltender Trey Augustine, who continues to be a brick wall in the crease. Augustine ranks first nationally in shutouts (3), fourth in goals-against average (1.69), and second in save percentage (.938), leading the Big Ten in all three categories.
As a team, the Spartans rank:
- No. 1 nationally in scoring defense (1.72)
- No. 12 in scoring offense (3.50)
- No. 3 in scoring margin (+1.78)
Michigan State leads the Big Ten in scoring defense and ranks third in scoring offense.
With just eight series remaining—seven against Big Ten opponents and one against Notre Dame—the season is about to hit its most intense stretch. This is where conference races tighten, and this is when college hockey is at its best.
Prediction
Michigan State looks poised to make a statement coming out of the break. With a fully healthy roster and elite goaltending, the Spartans should control this series. Expect a defensive battle on Friday and a more open game Saturday.
Prediction: Michigan State sweeps (3–1, 4–2)