Lansing Sun

Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are set to face off in a highly anticipated college hockey series this weekend. The rivalry between these two teams is longstanding, with Michigan leading the all-time series 182-144-24. The Spartans, ranked No. 2/2, will play against the Wolverines, ranked No. 13/13.

The first game is scheduled for Friday at Mason Rink in Munn Ice Arena, while Saturday's game will take place at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit as part of the "Duel in the D." Tickets for Friday's match can be purchased through the Spartan Ticket Office or Seat Geek, and Saturday's tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Saturday’s game will be broadcast on Big Ten Network with Ben Holden providing play-by-play commentary and Fred Pletsch offering analysis. For those preferring radio coverage, WJIM 1240 AM will air both games with Scott Moore on play-by-play duties and Rob Woodward as analyst.

Michigan State has shown strong performance in second games of series over recent years, attributing their success to conditioning under performance coach Will Morlock. They hold a record of 12-0-2 in second games this season.

The Spartans' forward line consisting of Charlie Stramel, Isaac Howard, and Daniel Russell has been particularly effective recently. Howard leads national statistics with an average of 1.43 points per game and ranks second nationally in goals (21) and points (40).

Goalie Trey Augustine stands out as a candidate for both Hobey Baker and Richter Awards. He holds impressive stats including a goals-against average of 2.12 and a save percentage of .926.

Juniors Karsen Dorwart and Joey Larson have also contributed significantly to MSU’s success alongside Gavin O'Connell.

Defensively, David Gucciardi has scored three consecutive goals recently while his partner Nicklas Andrews leads the team with a +22 rating and tops shot blocks for MSU.

This weekend promises another exciting chapter in one of college hockey's most storied rivalries.