Jon Smith Director of Jenison Field House Athletic Performance | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
Jon Smith Director of Jenison Field House Athletic Performance | Michigan State Spartan Athletics Website
The Michigan State hockey team has received recognition from the Big Ten, with Daniel Russell and Isaac Howard being named the Second and Third Stars of the Week, respectively. This announcement was made by the Big Ten on Tuesday.
Russell achieved a notable game-winning goal at Wrigley Field with just 1.4 seconds left in overtime, assisted by Howard. This marked Russell's second goal of the game and his sixth game-winning goal of the season, leading Division I. Howard contributed significantly during the two-game series against Wisconsin, scoring in each match and assisting on Charlie Stramel's decisive goal at Munn.
Together with centerman Charlie Stramel, Michigan State's top line amassed 11 points during the Wisconsin series. Over their last seven games together, they have achieved a combined scoring line of 12-11-23.
Both players are experiencing career-high performances as Michigan State maintains a seven-game unbeaten streak (6-0-1) ahead of their upcoming series against Penn State. Howard has been particularly effective, accumulating 12 points (seven goals, five assists) in these games. He ranks third in the Big Ten for points (27), second for goals (13), and second for points per game (1.35). Nationally, he is fourth in points, second in goals, and fifth in points per game. His goals per game rate places him fourth among Division I players.
Russell is also performing well, ranking second among Spartans with ten goals and tying for seventh in the Big Ten. He holds fifth place in league goals per game (0.50). With a scoring line of 10-6-16, Russell is second on his team for both points and goals and leads forwards with a +14 rating.
This marks Russell's second Star of the Week honor and Howard's third this season. Overall, Michigan State has secured nine Star of the Week accolades during the first half of this season.
Currently ranked at the top, Michigan State boasts a record of 17-2-1 this season and an 8-1-1 record within the Big Ten Conference as they prepare to face Penn State this weekend.
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