The Spartans secure their third goaltender for 2026–27, adding JJ Salajko to shore up a depleted net and build for the future.
“We are all puzzles, and some of us are missing pieces.” — Cecelia Ahern
Michigan State hockey is no different. It’s an ever-changing puzzle—one that constantly requires new pieces, with others always moving on. Whether it’s players already committed beyond MSU to the professional ranks or portal additions coming in for quick one-season stints, the picture is never static.
That’s the reality of college hockey today. And when you’re good, that reality speeds up even more. Professional teams come knocking early and often, forcing programs like Michigan State to reload on the fly. As a result, the Spartans have been in a flurry of activity, working to build out a complete roster for the future.
Those new pieces can come from just about anywhere. The Spartans have already dipped into the transfer portal. They’ll also welcome in previously committed players who are finishing out their junior careers. Beyond that, there are multiple junior leagues serving as pipelines into college hockey—the top level of the development system.
Now, Michigan State has added another piece to its puzzle—its third goaltender of the offseason.
The Spartans brought in JJ Salajko from the Watertown Shamrocks of the NAHL (North American Hockey League). The move comes after Michigan State lost all three goaltenders from last season, making the position one of the biggest areas of need heading into 2026–27.
In his lone season with Watertown, Salajko appeared in 17 games and allowed 57 goals against. That stat line results in a 3.67 goals-against average, paired with 420 saves. While the GAA may jump off the page, it’s worth noting the volume he faced throughout the year. Salajko finished with a 6-8-1 record.
He also saw limited action at a higher level, appearing in three games in the USHL—the top Tier I junior hockey league in the United States and a major development path toward NCAA and NHL opportunities.
In those three appearances with the Waterloo Black Hawks, Salajko allowed 12 goals on 76 shots. That translated to a 4.03 GAA and a 1-2 record in a small sample size against stronger competition.
However, to get a clearer picture of Salajko’s potential, you have to look back one season further.
During the 2024–25 campaign, Salajko suited up for the Port Colborne Sailors, where he put together a much stronger and more complete body of work. Across 39 games, he posted a 2.47 goals-against average along with a .914 save percentage. He allowed just 96 goals on 1,022 shots while finishing with a 23-12-3 record.
That season paints a different picture—one of a goaltender capable of handling a heavy workload while producing efficient results. It’s likely that version of Salajko is what Michigan State is betting on as they round out their goaltending room.
For now, Salajko projects as the third option in net for the Spartans.
The entire goaltending unit, however, will look completely different this season. Trey Augustine has moved on to the professional ranks with the Detroit Red Wings organization. Meanwhile, Melvin Strahl is heading north but staying within the conference, as he looks to carve out a role in Minnesota. Dolan Gilbert, despite being a senior last year, is back in the college hockey landscape via the transfer portal, searching for his next opportunity.
With those departures, Michigan State has rebuilt the position from the ground up.
Leading the incoming group is highly touted prospect and first-round pick of the San Jose Sharks, Joshua Ravensbergen. He’s joined by Quentin Sigurdson, forming a trio alongside Salajko that will compete for time between the pipes.
Head coach Adam Nightingale has shown a strong ability to develop goaltenders during his tenure, and that track record will be tested again with an entirely new group. Still, if recent history is any indication, Michigan State should feel confident in its ability to mold this unit into a strength.
If the Spartans are going to chase a fourth straight Big Ten title, it will likely come on the backs of these three new goaltenders—no matter how the rotation ultimately shakes out.
The puzzle is far from complete. But piece by piece, Michigan State is putting it together.