The Michigan State hockey team celebrates their GLI championship win.
Michigan State has captured the Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) title after defeating No. 4 Western Michigan, marking their first championship since 2009. This victory solidifies their top ranking in college hockey, where they currently lead with an impressive record. Goaltender Luca Di Pasquo was named tournament MVP for his standout performance, including a critical game where he saved 29 shots. As the Spartans celebrate this momentous win, they aim to maintain their winning streak in future matches.
Grand Rapids, MI – The excitement in the world of college hockey is palpable as Michigan State has soared to the top of the ranks and emerged victorious in the prestigious Great Lakes Invitational (GLI). After a gripping final showdown against No. 4 Western Michigan, the Spartans clinched their first GLI championship since 2009, marking a milestone for the team and their passionate fans.
As the holiday season came to a close, Michigan State celebrated not only their GLI victory but also a sweet spot at the very top of the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll. The Spartans secured an impressive 41 first-place votes, solidifying their status as the team to beat this season.
Following them closely is Boston College, ranked No. 2 with eight first-place votes, while Minnesota rounds out the top three. Other notable movements include Western Michigan, which advanced two places to No. 4, and Providence, which made the same leap to No. 5. Meanwhile, Denver, after a slight stumble, sits at No. 6, just claiming the last of the first-place votes. The poll, which is a weekly reflection of college hockey performance, features a total of 10 other teams receiving votes, but no new squads managed to crack in this week.
The final match of the GLI took place at the Van Andel Arena on December 30, 2024, and it was an absolute spectacle. The intensity kicked off right away when Western Michigan struck first, converting a power play into an early goal by Zach Nehring. However, in a remarkable twist, Michigan State responded with a quick equalizer just 11 seconds later, courtesy of Tiernan Shoudy, electrifying the crowd.
As the game progressed, there were tense moments aplenty, including an initially celebrated goal by Isaac Howard that was later overturned after a review. But the third period is where the Spartans really shone. Just after the period started, Joey Larson notched the go-ahead goal, sending Michigan State ahead. Isaac Howard then sealed the deal with a rebound goal, cruising the score to 3-1 and securing the championship.
This victory brings Michigan State’s total GLI titles to an impressive 13, surpassing Michigan Tech for the most titles among active participants in the tournament. The overall record for GLI championships still belongs to Michigan, with a remarkable 17 titles. It has certainly been a season to remember for the Spartans, who now boast a record of 15-2-1 and lead the Big Ten with a solid 6-1-1 score.
Highlighting the tournament, goaltender Luca Di Pasquo was a standout star. He not only took home the tournament MVP title but also delivered an outstanding performance with 29 saves in the championship game. Earlier in the tournament, he recorded a shutout against Northern Michigan, making 16 saves to lead the Spartans to a 2-0 win in the semifinals. NMU’s goaltender, in a valiant effort, made 44 saves against Michigan State in that match.
As Michigan State celebrates this momentous occasion for their hockey program, the journey doesn’t end here. They will continue to defend their top ranking in the upcoming matches, filled with determination and ambition. Fans will surely be keeping a close watch on their beloved Spartans as they aim to maintain this winning momentum and bring home even more victories!
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