Lansing Sun

The 2011-12 Michigan State University (MSU) hockey team, led by Head Coach Tom Anastos, completed the season with an overall record of 19-16-4 and a conference record of 14-13-3 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), placing fifth. The team's journey included participation in the NCAA Tournament.

Key personnel included Strength & Conditioning Coach Mike Vorkapich, Director of Hockey Operations Adam Nightingale, Assistant Coaches Tom Newton and Kelly Miller, Goaltending Coach Mike Gilmore, and Athletic Director Dave Carrier. Equipment Manager Tom Magee and Student Managers Tim Magee and Sean Lerg also contributed to the team's efforts.

Throughout the season, MSU faced several formidable opponents. Notable victories included wins against Western Ontario (6-1), Ohio State (3-0), Robert Morris twice (5-2 and 6-2), Western Michigan twice on the road (3-2 and 4-2), Minnesota at home (4-3), Bowling Green twice (5-1 and 4-1), Northern Michigan on January 14th (2-1), Lake Superior on January 20th (4-2), Ohio State on February 3rd away from home (6-3) and again on February 4th (3-2).

In tournament play, MSU competed in the Ice Breaker Tournament held in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where they won against Air Force Academy in overtime with a score of 3-2. They participated in the Great Lakes Invitational at Joe Louis Arena with a victory over Michigan Tech but fell to Michigan in overtime.

The season concluded with losses against Miami during the CCHA Tournament followed by a defeat to Union College during the NCAA East Regional Tournament held in Bridgeport, Connecticut.