Michigan State University claimed victory in the Great Lakes Invitational, defeating Western Michigan 3-1. This win marks MSU’s first GLI title since 2009, concluding their year with a record of 15-2-1. The game remained tied through the first two periods, with both teams scoring in quick succession during the opening period. Zach Nehring scored for Western Michigan on a power play, while Tiernan Shoudy quickly equalized for MSU.
The third period saw a strong performance from MSU, who took nine shots before reaching the ten-minute mark. Joey Larson and Isaac Howard each scored for MSU in this period. Goaltender Luca Di Pasquo was instrumental in the victory, allowing only one goal across both games of the tournament and making 29 saves to earn MVP honors. He was joined by Larson and Howard on the All-Tournament Team.
MSU is set to host Wisconsin at Munn Ice Arena on Thursday.
In other notable statistics, this title is MSU’s first since the 2009-10 season, and they have an all-time record of 52-41-5 in this tournament. Today’s final coincided with the 20th anniversary of Adam Nightingale leading MSU to a GLI title in 2004. The Spartans are now 3-1 against top-five nationally ranked teams this season.
Luca Di Pasquo’s impressive shutout streak ended at over 165 minutes due to Nehring’s power play goal. Di Pasquo has allowed only two goals in four complete games this season, none during five-on-five play.
Joey Larson’s goal proved decisive in the third period, and he assisted on Howard’s late goal as well. Red Savage, David Gucciardi, and Charlie Stramel also contributed assists during these third-period scores.
The match began with limited chances for both teams until a penalty put MSU on defense. Western Michigan capitalized on this opportunity but MSU quickly responded through Shoudy’s goal after a setup by Tanner Kelly and Tommi Mannisto.
During the second period, Western Michigan maintained offensive pressure but could not convert it into goals despite outshooting MSU significantly. A potential lead for MSU was nullified after review determined that Daniel Russell’s goal was kicked in.
In the final period, Larson broke the deadlock with his sixth goal of the season after a chaotic sequence near Western Michigan’s net. Howard secured MSU’s victory with his team-leading eleventh goal following another scramble around the net.
