Lansing Sun

Michigan State University (MSU) is set to open its 2024-25 hockey season with a pair of games against Lake Superior State University (LSSU). The matches will take place on Friday, October 4 at 6 pm and Saturday, October 5 at 4 pm at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

The Spartans, ranked No. 4 in both the preseason US College Hockey Online and USA Hockey/The Rink Live polls, finished last season with a record of 25-10-3. LSSU concluded their previous season with a record of 17-20-1. This weekend's games mark the 128th and 129th meetings between these former conference rivals from the old Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). MSU holds a historical advantage with a record of 75-38-4 against LSSU and has performed well in Sault Ste. Marie with a record of 25-19-7.

Damon Whitten, head coach at LSSU, is entering his eleventh season. Whitten is an alumnus of MSU where he served as captain and earned four letters from 1997 to 2001. Mike York, associate head coach at LSSU, also played for MSU from 1995 to 1999 and was recognized as a two-time First Team All-American and Hobey Baker finalist.

MSU's current ranking ties its highest position from the previous season when it fluctuated between fourth and twelfth nationally over the course of the year. This marks MSU's highest national poll ranking since November 12, 2007.

The Big Ten coaches have selected MSU as the favorite to win this year's regular-season title for the first time in program history. Following MSU in the rankings are Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Penn State. Sophomore goaltender Trey Augustine along with junior forwards Karsen Dorwart and Isaac Howard have been named pre-season First Team All-Big Ten selections.

Returning players account for nearly two-thirds of MSU’s scoring from last year: "67.7% of its scoring from a year ago - 278 of 411 points," including "102 of [the]145 goals (59.9%)" scored last season according to team statistics.

In terms of attendance during the previous season, MSU ranked tenth nationally in total attendance with figures reaching "110,187" across all home games and sixth in average attendance per game at "6,482." Notably, MSU sold out "23 of its last [24] home games," including "21 consecutive home games against B1G opponents."

Tickets for this weekend’s matchups can be purchased through the LSSU Ticket Office. Radio broadcasts will be available on WVFN AM on Friday and WJIM AM on Saturday. Additionally, live streams will be accessible via MidcoSports Plus/CCHA TV for both games.

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