Defending champions Michigan State navigates World Junior absences, aiming to extend their GLI dynasty against a challenging field and storied tradition.
It’s time once again for one of college hockey’s most storied traditions—the Great Lakes Invitational. Now in its 59th year, the mid-season tournament has been a holiday staple since 1965, consistently showcasing elite collegiate hockey talent during the New Year’s break.
The Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) is a four-team NCAA men’s ice hockey tournament held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan, traditionally around the New Year’s holiday. Since 2022, the tournament has called Van Andel Arena home.
A Tournament Built on Vision
The GLI was born out of a conversation between Olympia Stadium general manager Lincoln Cavalieri, Michigan Tech head coach John MacInnes, and Detroit Red Wings scout Jack Paterson. The trio shared concerns over the lack of American-born players in the NHL and believed a premier collegiate tournament could help grow the game at the grassroots level.
Their vision gained support from Jack Tompkins, an American Airlines vice president, former University of Michigan goaltender, and Detroit Red Wings executive. Together, the group founded the Great Lakes Invitational in 1965, creating what would become one of college hockey’s most respected events.
Attendance and Legacy
Few holiday tournaments can match the GLI’s impact. In 1999, the event surpassed one million total attendees, a testament to its enduring popularity and tradition.
Historically, the University of Michigan leads all teams with 17 GLI championships. Michigan State follows closely with 13 titles and enters this season as the defending champion. Michigan Tech, the most frequent participant with 57 appearances, has captured the tournament 12 times.
Last Year’s Championship Run
Michigan State claimed the 2024 GLI title with a 3–1 victory over Western Michigan in the championship game. The then-No. 1-ranked Spartans struck twice in the third period, with Joey Larson opening the scoring four minutes in and Isaac Howard adding an insurance goal at the 14:56 mark to seal the win.
Tournament Venues Through the Years
The GLI has been played at several iconic venues:
- Olympia Stadium (1965–78)
- Joe Louis Arena (1979–2012, 2014–16)
- Comerica Park (2013)
- Little Caesars Arena (2018–19)
- Van Andel Arena (2022–present)
This Year’s Field
The 2025 Great Lakes Invitational will feature:
- Michigan State
- Michigan Tech
- Miami (OH)
- Ferris State
Ferris State enters the weekend fresh off its fourth Division II football national championship in five years, a program now synonymous with gridiron success. This time, however, the Bulldogs will shift focus to the ice, where they’ll take on the No. 3-ranked team in the nation.
On Sunday, December 29, Michigan State will face Ferris State, while Michigan Tech squares off against Miami (OH). The winners will advance to the championship game on Monday night.
Michigan State Overview
As the defending GLI champions and the highest-ranked team in the field, Michigan State enters with expectations—but also challenges.
The Spartans will be without several key contributors, as Porter Martone (recently named captain of Team Canada), Ryker Lee, and Shane Vansaghi are all competing in the World Junior Championship.
Their absence opens the door for players like Tommi Mannisto and Daniel Russell—talents poised for strong professional futures but often overshadowed on a star-studded roster. On a big stage like the GLI, their opportunity to shine has arrived.
Statistically, Michigan State remains elite:
- 6th in goal margin (+1.62)
- 3rd in scoring defense (1.75 GAA)
- 16th nationally in goals per game (3.38)
The Spartans also impose a physical style, ranking third in penalty minutes per game, often forcing officials to keep their arms raised.
The Target Is On
Michigan State arrives in Grand Rapids with a target on its back—as the best team in the tournament and the reigning champion. With key players away representing their countries, it will be the lesser-known names who must defend East Lansing’s pride.
At Van Andel Arena, tradition meets opportunity—and the Spartans’ depth will be tested on one of college hockey’s biggest holiday stages.