Lansing Sun

The 1958-59 Michigan State hockey team, led by Head Coach Amo Bessone, had a remarkable season with a record of 17 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie. The team secured the Big Ten Championship and achieved second place in the NCAA Tournament.

Throughout the season, the Spartans faced various opponents. They began with an exhibition game against the Detroit Red Wings, resulting in a loss of 3-11. In regular-season play, they achieved significant victories against teams like North Dakota, Northeastern, Boston College, and Boston University.

Their performance in tournaments was noteworthy. At the Boston Invitational held in Massachusetts, they defeated Northeastern (7-1), Boston College (6-0), and Boston University (3-2). The RPI Tournament in Troy, New York saw them overpower Brown (11-3), Princeton (7-4), and Rensselaer (10-3).

In conference play against Minnesota and Michigan Tech among others, they showed resilience with crucial wins. Their encounters with Minnesota resulted in two victories by identical scores of 5-4 after initially losing one match and tying another. Against Michigan Tech later in the season, they won two matches but lost one in overtime.

Michigan State's performance against their rival Michigan included two wins during regular play but also featured a loss on March 6 before bouncing back to win on March 7.

Their journey culminated at the NCAA Frozen Four held again in Troy, New York where they managed to defeat Boston College once more (4-3) but fell to North Dakota in overtime with a close score of 3-4.

Coach Bessone's leadership was instrumental throughout this challenging yet successful season for Michigan State's hockey team.