No. 3 Spartans Open Season With Dominant Offensive Showing

College hockey is officially back in East Lansing, and the No. 3 Michigan State Spartans wasted little time reminding everyone what they can do offensively.

The Spartans opened their regular season Friday night at Munn Ice Arena against the Northern Michigan Wildcats, giving fans plenty to celebrate during Hocktober. Michigan State delivered a six-goal performance to secure its first victory of the season in emphatic fashion.

The Spartans came out firing in the first period, building a 3-0 lead in just over 10 minutes.

Anthony Romani got the scoring started with a beautiful touch finish. After scoring 14 goals last season, Romani picked up right where he left off, providing the first spark of the night.

Cullen Potter, one of Michigan State's biggest transfer portal additions, followed with the second goal. The former Arizona State forward was selected 32nd overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2025 NHL Draft, and his arrival gives the Spartans another talented scoring option.

Cayden Lindstrom made it 3-0 just 10:30 into the opening period. The fourth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Lindstrom is expected to play a significant role in Michigan State's offense this season. After scoring three goals last year, he'll be looking to make a bigger impact on the scoresheet.

The second period brought a scary moment when Mason West took a brutal cross-check to the back, sending him headfirst into the boards. West was shaken up but managed to remain in the game. Northern Michigan's Meldrick Bolduc, who delivered the hit, was removed from the contest.

The incident gave Michigan State a five-minute major power play, which later included an additional penalty against the Wildcats and created a lengthy 5-on-3 opportunity. Despite the extended advantage, the Spartans couldn't capitalize.

Northern Michigan took advantage of its opportunities at the other end, scoring twice against new Michigan State goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen.

The 6-foot-5 netminder showcased his size and impressive glove work throughout the night, making several difficult saves to keep the Wildcats from generating even more offense. Still, Northern Michigan managed to cut the deficit to two in the third period, putting some pressure on the Spartans.

That's when Michigan State's offense came back to life like a zombie out of Evil Dead.

Chase Reid, the seventh overall pick by Seattle in the 2026 NHL Draft, unleashed a rocket toward the net. Before the shot could reach the goaltender, Gavin O'Connell got his stick on the puck and redirected it home for his first goal of the season.

Romani struck again later in the third, scoring his second goal of the night on the power play. Jack Hextall then put the finishing touch on the performance, recording his first goal as a Spartan with a snipe from in front of the blue line.

The final seconds brought one last dose of chaos. A hard hit from Northern Michigan as the clock wound down sparked a massive brawl, with tempers boiling over on both sides. The altercation featured players exchanging punches, equipment scattered across the ice and the Wildcats' goaltender attempting to fight Shane Vansaghi.

Romani led the Spartans with two goals and an assist for three points. Ryker Lee matched that total with three assists, while Reid and Eric Nilson each recorded two points.

Ravensbergen finished with 16 saves on 18 shots, and Michigan State went a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill. The Spartans generated 42 shots, scored six goals and converted four times on nine power-play opportunities.

It was an eventful start to the season for Michigan State, which showcased its offensive firepower while weathering a physical challenge from its in-state opponent.

The Spartans and Wildcats will meet again Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET, giving Michigan State a chance to carry its momentum into the second game of the series.