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College hockey returns this weekend, and the third-ranked Michigan State Spartans will begin their campaign with a two-game set against in-state foe Northern Michigan.
The Wildcats will make the long trip from Marquette to East Lansing, covering over 370 miles, to face the Spartans at Ron Mason Rink inside Munn Ice Arena. The first game is scheduled for Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the series finale set for Sunday, October 11 at 1 p.m. ET. Both contests will be streamed on B1G+.
While both teams aim to start on a positive note, the Wildcats face a daunting challenge. Nevertheless, Michigan State cannot afford to overlook its opponent.
Michigan State: Youthful Yet Loaded
The Spartans enter the season ranked No. 3 nationally, but they do so with a significantly revamped roster. The stars who powered Michigan State to three consecutive Big Ten regular-season titles have moved on. Now, the team will rely on a mix of players who have experienced multiple championships, others who won one last season, and a large contingent of freshmen eager to prove themselves.
That youth might raise eyebrows, but upon closer inspection, the talent is undeniable. The Spartans boast 17 NHL-drafted players, including nine first-round selections. Four of those first-rounders were chosen in this year's draft, along with the top pick of the second round.
The biggest offseason question was how quickly top prospect goalie Joshua Ravensbergen would adapt to college hockey. For years, Trey Augustine manned the crease as Michigan State rose to national prominence. Now, Ravensbergen takes over. In the Spartans' lone exhibition game, he silenced any doubts, putting on a brick-wall performance with a series of spectacular saves. The offense also impressed, displaying poise and confidence that should carry into the regular season. The defense, however, showed some cracks and will need to be shored up quickly.
Northern Michigan: A Program in Decline
The Wildcats have fallen on hard times. Once a respected hockey school that hosted the 1991 national championship, Northern Michigan has finished at or below .500 in five of the past six seasons. Head coach Dave Shyiak took over two years ago, but the team has regressed under his watch. Over those two seasons, the Wildcats have posted a dismal 7-41-4 record.
The last two campaigns produced the fewest wins in program history since 1976. Before the 2024-25 season, Northern Michigan had endured a five-win season and a six-win season, which were previously the worst in team history. In Shyiak's first year, the Wildcats won four games; last season, they managed only three. Now, they open against a Michigan State squad ranked No. 3 in the country, one of the toughest possible matchups.
Predictions
Friday: Michigan State 4, Northern Michigan 0
Sunday: Michigan State 2, Northern Michigan 1
Originally reported by yahoo.