EAST LANSING – The Spartans return to conference play after a few weeks of rest and will travel to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Buckeyes this Friday and Saturday.
Michigan State started the year strong with a win over the United States National Team Development Program last Sunday, even while missing many of its top players to the World Junior Championship. Junior goaltender Trey Augustine got the night off as freshman goaltender Melvin Strahl earned the start in net and finished with an .867 save percentage.
Sweden took home the gold medal at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship this past Tuesday, which means the Spartans will regain some of their top talent.
Freshman forward Eric Nilson won gold with Sweden, freshman forward Porter Martone helped lead Team Canada to bronze, and sophomore forward Shane Vansaghi and freshman forward Ryker Lee both played well for Team USA despite an early exit from the tournament.
Now that the Spartans’ roster has reunited, Michigan State shifts its focus to Ohio State, which currently sits sixth in the Big Ten standings with a 6-11-1 overall record. The Buckeyes are led by head coach Steve Rohlik, the 2018, 2019 and 2025 Big Ten Coach of the Year.
On the ice, freshman forward Jake Karabela stands out with 17 points in 18 games, leading the team in assists (13). Graduate student Adam Eisele leads the Buckeyes in goals (8) and has an impressive .190 shooting percentage.
In net, the Buckeyes have used two different goaltenders this season, but junior Kristoffer Eberly has carried most of the workload. Despite Ohio State’s struggles early on, Eberly has performed well with a 2.98 goals-against average, a .911 save percentage, and six outings with 30 or more saves.
For the Spartans, Augustine returns as one of the top goaltenders in the nation, leading the country in shutouts (3), ranking second in save percentage (.938), and fourth in goals-against average (1.69).
Michigan State’s top line has been dominant, with senior forwards Daniel Russell and Charlie Stramel and freshman forward Martone combining for 60 points this season. Russell has been key to the Spartans’ success with 13 assists, Stramel has excelled in the faceoff circle, ranking ninth nationally in wins (222), and Martone ranks eighth nationally in goals per game (0.69).
The Spartans moved up to No. 2 in both national polls following Wisconsin’s loss to Western Michigan. With a series sweep this weekend, Michigan State could improve its position in the Big Ten standings and close in on Michigan’s hold on second place.
Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday at the Ohio State Ice Rink in Columbus.
