Spartans Head To 40th Annual Great Lakes Invitational
12/21/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
Dec. 21, 2004
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
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THIS WEEK'S ACTION
Michigan State (8-9-1 overall, 5-7-0 CCHA) returns to action at the 40th annual Great Lakes Invitational at Joe Louis Arena, Dec. 29-30. MSU will meet New Hampshire (11-3-2 overall, 6-1-1 Hockey East) in game two on Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. The early game pits Michigan (13-4-1 overall) against Michigan Tech (1-14-1 overall) at 4:30 p.m. On Dec. 30, the third-place game is set for 4:30 p.m., followed by the championship game at 8 p.m.
All four games will be televised by FSN Detroit as Ken Daniels, Fred Pletsch, Shireen Saski and John Keating will be the broadcast team. In addition, the games can be heard on WJIM 1240-AM as Scott Moore and Ken Kal will call the action.
LAST TIME OUT
Friday, Dec. 10 -- at Notre Dame 3, Michigan State 2 (OT)
MSU dropped a tough 3-2 decision on the road at Notre Dame Friday night. The Spartans jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Colton Fretter before the Fighting Irish tied the game at one with 1:03 to play in the opening stanza. Drew Miller would give State a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes. However, penalties hurt the Spartans as State was two-men short for the final two minutes as Wes O'Neill tied the game with a blast from the point at the 18:41 mark. ND's Matt Amado tallied the game winner at 2:32 of the extra session. Dominic Vicari stopped 43 shots for MSU, while David Brown finished with 25 saves.
Saturday, Dec. 11 -- at Michigan State 4, Notre Dame 1
Behind Ash Goldie's first career hat trick, MSU skated to a 4-1 win over Notre Dame at Munn Ice Arena. Despite outshooting the Irish, 18-to-4 in the opening stanza, MSU fell behind 1-0 on a power-play tally by ND's Josh Sciba, just 42 seconds in the second period. Back-to-back goals by Goldie (15:14 second period and 12:43 third period) gave MSU a 2-1 lead. Tommy Goebel tallied his first goal in 10 games to give the Spartans a two-goal cushion before Goldie's empty-net tally sealed the win. Dominic Vicari stopped 20 shots, while David Brown recorded 36 saves.
 Ash Goldie  |
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SR F Ash Goldie recorded his first career hat trick in State's 4-1 win over Notre Dame (Dec. 11). The London, Ont., native tallied State's first, second and fourth markers. Previously, he had registered two goals in a game three times, the most recent being on Jan. 17, 2004 against Bowling Green. In addition, it marked State's first hat trick since David Booth tallied three at Lake Superior State Feb. 5, 2004.
For the season, Goldie ranks fourth on MSU in scoring with nine goals and 12 points. His nine goals are tied for the team lead. In addition, the nine markers equal his career best, set as freshman (2001-02) and junior (2003-04).
FOR STARTERS
• MSU has compiled an all-time mark of 36-23-1 in GLI play. In addition, State has captured nine GLI title, including four in a row from 1997-2000 and 1982-85.
• All told, MSU is 70-42-2 all-time in games played at Joe Louis Arena.
• With 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists) already this season, JR F Colton Fretter has already surpassed his total from his sophomore campaign (17 points). Fretter needs just four more points to surpass his season-best 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) set during his freshman year (2002-03).
• MSU is 0-4 in one-goal games this season, including a 3-2 overtime loss at Notre Dame Dec. 10.
• MSU is 4-4-1 at Munn Ice Arena this season and 3-5-0 in games played on the road.
• Thirteen of SR F Jim Slater's 17 points have come via the power. All told, Slater has four goals and nine assists when State has the man advantage.
• The Spartans are 7-4-1 when they score the first goal of the game. On the flip side, MSU is 0-5-0 when its opponent scores first.
• SO F Drew Miller is tied for fifth in the CCHA with five power-play markers.
• The Spartans are 1-8-1 when scoring two or fewer goals in a game. In addition, State is 1-8 when allowing three or more goals in a game.
• SR F Jim Slater, who led MSU with a +27 plus/minus rating last year, sits at the bottom of the stat sheet this season at -8.
• In games following a win, MSU is 2-5-1 this season.
MSU AND THE GLI
The Spartans have been a regular part of the GLI tournament field since 1979. The 2004 season marks MSU's 30th appearance in the GLI, where the Spartans have captured nine titles including four in a row from 1982-85 and 1997-2000. MSU has finished as the runner-up 11 times, including the 2001 and 2003 seasons.
MSU was the last "regular" to win the GLI crown in 2000 as the GLI champion the last three years has been the fourth team (North Dakota - 2001; Boston University - 2002 and Boston College - 2003).
Ten former Spartans have earned GLI Tournament MVP honors, including Ryan Miller (2000) and Shawn Horcoff (1999).
MICHIGAN STATE QUICK HITS
• MSU brings a 8-9-1 overall, 5-7-0 CCHA slate the Great Lakes Invitational. The Spartans have been off since Dec. 10-11 when State split a two-game set with Notre Dame (L, 3-2 OT on the road and W, 4-1 at home).
• In their last 10 contests, the Spartans are just 4-5-1.
• JR F Colton Fretter (9-10--19) sits atop the Spartan leaderboard with 19 points, while SR F Jim Slater (6-12--18) is second with 18 points. Rounding out the top five scorers are: SO F Drew Miller (8-5--13) with 13 points; SR F Ash Goldie (9-3--12) with 12 points and FR F Chris Mueller (1-10--11) with 11 points.
• In goal, SO Dominic Vicari is 6-8-1 with a 2.39 goals-against average and a .917 saves percentage, while SR Matt Migliaccio is 2-1 with a 2.61 GAA and a .897 saves percentage.
• State has converted on 21-of-123 (.171) of its power-play attempts, while killing off 82-of-98 (.837) of its opponents' power-play chances.
• MSU ranks second in the CCHA in shots on goal, averaging 34.5 shots per game. However, when it comes to netting goals, State ranks 10th in the CCHA and tied for 35th in the nation, averaging 2.83 goals per game.
• Defensively, the Spartans are allowing 2.56 goals per game to rank fourth in the CCHA and 17th in the nation.
NEW HAMPSHIRE QUICK HITS
• No. 6 New Hampshire arrives at the GLI with an 11-3-2 overall, 6-1-1 Hockey East slate. The Wildcats have been off since Dec. 11 when the Wildcats posted a 3-2 exhibition win over the U.S. National Team.
• UNH is under the direction of 15th-year head coach Richard Umile, who has posted a 338-165-51 (.656) career mark.
• SR F Sean Collins (7-14--21) paces UNH in scoring with 21 points, while SO F Brett Hemingway (12-8--20) is second with 20 points. In addition, Hemingway paces UNH and ranks tied for ninth in the country with 12 goals.
• In goal, JR Jeff Pietrasiak carries a 7-2-2 record, along with a 2.69 GAA and a .900 saves percentage.
• New Hampshire ranks fifth in the country, averaging 3.81 goals per game. Meanwhile, the team is allowing just 2.75 goals per game.
• The Wildcats power play is converting at a 23.2 percent (22-of-95) clip to rank sixth in the nation, while the team's penalty kill is at 83.3 percent (65-of-78).
MSU-UNH SERIES INFORMATION
New Hampshire holds a 6-2 lead in the all-time series with MSU. MSU will face the Wildcats for just the second time in GLI history. The first meeting in GLI history between the schools was Dec. 20, 1969, when New Hampshire posted a 4-3 victory at Olympia Stadium.
This will mark the second meeting of the season between the schools as State posted a 5-1 victory on Oct. 17 in East Lansing. In that game, JR F Colton Fretter tallied a pair of goals and SR F Jim Slater, FR F Bryan Lerg and FR F Jim McKenzie also posted goals for the Spartans.
MICHIGAN TECH QUICK HITS
• Michigan Tech enters the GLI with a 1-14-1 overall, 1-13-0 WCHA slate. The Huskies swept a pair of exhibition games at Lakehead (7-2 and 5-1) Dec. 17-18.
• The Huskies are under the direction of second-year head coach Jamie Russell.
• SR F Colin Murphy leads MTU in scoring with 22 points (five goals, 17 assists), while SO D Lars Helminen is second with 18 points (five goals, 13 assists).
• In goal, SO Byrce Luker is 1-7-1 with a 4.69 GAA and a .873 saves percentage. SR Cam Ellsworth is 0-7 with a 4.73 GAA and a .885 saves percentage.
• The Huskies are averaging 2.69 goals per game, while allowing 4.81 goals per game.
• MTU is 21-of-100 (.210) with the man advantage, while the Huskies penalty kill is stopping 72.3 percent (68-of-94) of their opponents' power-play attempts.
MSU-MTU SERIES INFORMATION
Michigan Tech holds a 77-72-2 edge in the all-time series, which began with a 5-0 MTU win on Feb. 15, 1928. However, State has won 19 of the last 21 meetings, including a 7-2 win in the first game of the 2003 GLI.
MICHIGAN QUICK HITS
• No. 3 Michigan brings a 13-4-1 overall, 11-1-0 CCHA slate into the GLI. The Wolverines have won four straight contests, including 8-3 and 5-4 victories over Bowling Green (Dec. 10-11).
• The Wolverines will be without the five players (Mike Brown, T.J. Hensick, Matt Hunwick, Al Montoya and Kevin Porter) as this group will represent the U.S. at the World Junior Championships.
• Hensick (11-13--24) leads U-M in scoring with 24 points, while SR F Jeff Tambellini (8-13--21) is second with 21 points and SR F Milan Gajic (8-10--18) is third with 18 points.
• With Montoya gone at the WJC, Noah Ruden will see action in net. This season, Ruden has appeared in three games, stopping 11 shots.
• The Wolverines are averaging 4.33 goals per game, while allowing 2.50 goals.
• U-M is connecting at 21.2 percent (25-of-118) on the power play, while its penalty kill stands at 88.1 percent (104-of-118).
MSU-UM SERIES INFORMATION
According to MSU records, Michigan leads the all-time series, 128-112-11, which began with a 5-1 Wolverine victory on Jan. 11, 1922. However, in the last 12 meetings, Michigan holds a slim 6-5-1 advantage as the Wolverines won the first two meetings (4-2 and 5-4) of the season (Nov. 18 and 20, 2004).
ONE LAST LOOK - MSU-ND NOTEBOOK
Notes from Friday's 3-2 Notre Dame win in South Bend:
• JR D Jared Nightingale, who normally plays defense, was moved to right wing for Friday's game. Nightingale missed Saturday's game after receiving a 5-minute major for checking from behind and a game DQ in the third period.
• Over the last three games, SO F/D Tyler Howells has one goal and four assists for five points.
• Nine of the last 13 meetings between Notre Dame and Michigan have been decided by two goals or less.
• JR F Colton Fretter's first-period tally was his team-best ninth of the season.
• MSU, who entered the game a perfect 7-0 when leading after 40 minutes, dropped its first contest of the season as State held a 2-1 advantage in tonight's game.
• The Spartans are 0-4 in one-goal games this season.
• SO F Drew Miller has registered goals in back-to-back games (at BGSU and at ND).
• In addition in games following a win, MSU is 2-5-1.
Notes from Saturday's 4-1 Spartan win in East Lansing:
• Michigan State is 18-2-1 against the Fighting Irish at Munn Arena over the last 21 games.
• Michigan State collected their first win of the season when surrendering the first goal of the contest.
• SR F Ash Goldie collected his first goal in six games when he scored at 15:14 of the second period. With a pair of third-period tallies, he recorded his first career hat trick. Previously, he had registered two goals in a game three times, the most recent being on Jan. 17, 2004 against Bowling Green.
• SO F Tommy Goebel's at 13:22 of the third period was his first point in 10 games. He last registered a point at Ferris State (Nov. 6), which was also a goal.
• JR F Chad Hontvet scored his first point of the season when he collected an assist on Ash Goldie's goal. Saturday's game was also the first game in which Hontvet has seen action this season.
• SO D A.J. Thelen's helper on Goldie's goal in the second was his first point in eight games.
• JR F Colton Fretter's assist was his fourth point in his last three games.
• MSU is now 7-1 when scoring four or more goals in a game this season. In addition, State is 6-1-1 when allowing two goals or less.
• The Spartans registered 40 shots on goal for the fourth time this season.
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SO F/D Tyler Howells has become Michigan State's Mr. Versatility. The Eden Prairie, Minn., native not only has the ability to play either forward or defense, but he has become one of MSU's power play and penalty kill specialists.
Opponents should take note -- over the course of the last four games, Howells has registered five points (one goals, four assists) including a helper on State's first goal in Friday's 3-2 OT loss to Notre Dame. In MSU's Dec. 4, 6-4 win at BGSU, Howells tallied three points including the game winner just 41 seconds into the third period en route to No. 1 star of the game honors.
For the season, Howells has appeared in 13 games, including nine at the blueline, with one goal and seven assists for eight points.
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE
As might be expected, it has been a tale of two teams this season for Michigan State. For example:
• In its eight victories, MSU is averaging 4.4 goals per game. On the other hand, State has scored a combined 15 goals (1.7 gpg) in its nine losses.
• Defensively, it's almost the exact same story. The Spartans have allowed just 11 goals (1.4 gpg) in their eight wins, while State has given up 34 goals (3.8 gpg) in its nine losses.
• MSU is connecting at a 27.1 percent clip (13-of-48) on the power play when it wins and just 10.4 percent (7-of-67) when it loses.
• The first period has been MSU's strong suit in victories as the team has 13 first-period tallies and are 7-1-1 when leading after one stanza.
• In its nine losses, the first two periods have been State's down fall as opponents have outscored the Spartans by a combined margin of 25-to-9. The Spartans are 0-8 this season when trailing after 40 minutes.
• To make matters even worse, the Spartans are just 1-8-1 when scoring two or fewer goals. The team's lone win was a 2-0 victory over Cornell (Nov. 14).
• In addition, State is 1-8 when allowing three or more goals.
 Tommy Goebel |
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SO F Tommy Goebel scored his first goal in 10 games in State's 4-1 win over Notre Dame (Dec. 11). The Parma, Ohio, native tallied State's second goal at the 13:22 mark of the third period. Goebel, who tallied 15 goals as a rookie, has just three this season. All told, Goebel has seven points (three goals, four assists) this season.
IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME II
SO D A.J. Thelen picked up his first point in eight games with an assist on State's first goal in MSU's 4-1 win over Notre Dame. Thelen, who tallied 11 goals, including five on the power play, and 18 assists for 29 points as a rookie, has just eight helpers this season. In addition, he has 36 penalty minutes and a plus/minus rating of -6.
TURNING IT AROUND
This season, MSU is 4-6-1 against teams receiving votes in Monday's USCHO.com/CSTV poll, including a 3-1-1 mark vs. non-conference teams. State has posted wins over No. 2 Wisconsin (4-0 on Nov. 26), No. 6 New Hampshire (5-1 on Oct. 17) and No. 14 Cornell (W, 2-0 on Nov. 14).
Just one year ago (as of Dec. 1, 2003), MSU had played seven games against teams receiving votes in the USCHO.com poll and had compiled a 2-4-1 mark. State was 1-2 in non-conference games against teams receiving votes with MSU's lone win against Minnesota-Duluth (5-4 win) and losses to Minnesota (5-1) and Wisconsin (2-1 OT). MSU also had dropped contests to unranked Findlay (4-3) and Wayne State (3-2 OT).
THE THREE "ER" LINE
One of MSU's top lines to date has been the three "ers" or the line of Drew Miller, Chris Mueller and Colton Fretter. The trio not only has been the grinders on the team, but they have been lighting up the scoreboard. The line, which began playing together for the Oct. 17 New Hampshire game, has accumulated 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in the 17 games they have played as a line -- an average of 2.53 points per game.
All told, they have been responsible for 31.8 percent of the team's offensive production, including 35.3 percent (18-of-51) of the team's goal scoring.
BREAKING DOWN THE THREE "ER" LINE
All told, the "ER" line rank No. one, three and five on MSU in scoring.
Fretter, a junior, paces the team in scoring with 19 points (nine goals, 10 assists). With 19 points already this season, Fretter has already surpassed his total from his sophomore campaign (17 points). He needs just four more points to surpass his season-best 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) set during his freshman year (2002-03).
Miller, a sophomore, has 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 18 games after scoring just 10 (four goals, six assists) all of last season (42 games played). Miller paces the team with five power-play markers among his eight goals. In addition, he is one of the team's top defensive forwards with 37 blocked shots to his credit.
Mueller, only a freshman, has 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in 18 games to rank fifth on the squad in scoring. He is listed No. 22 among college skaters in the Central Scouting Services preliminary rankings for the 2005 NHL Draft. The interesting note on Mueller is the fact he has only played high school hockey (Nichols School - Buffalo, N.Y.) and midget AAA hockey prior to arriving at MSU.
SPARTAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
SR F Ash Goldie is this week's Spartan Player of the Week after his performance in MSU's split with Notre Dame. Goldie tallied his first career hat trick, including the game-winning tally, as State earned a 4-1 win over Notre Dame (Dec. 11).
The Spartan coaching staff will select a Spartan Player of the Week each Monday.
EARNING NUMBER 650
MSU head coach Rick Comley picked up his 650th career win on Dec. 4 as State earned a 6-4 win at Bowling Green. In 32 seasons behind the bench, Comley has posted a 651-515-76 (.555) mark. His 651 victories rank seventh on the NCAA's all-time wins list.
Comley needs just five more wins to move into sixth place on the NCAA's all-time wins list, surpassing Jeff Sauer (1971-2002; Colorado College and Wisconsin) who has 655 career victories.
SPREADING THE WEALTH
Of the 24 forwards and defensemen who have suited up for MSU this season, 21 of those 24 players have at least one point. Among this group, 15 of the 24 have at least one goal through the first 18 games.
Of MSU's top-10 point producers: two are seniors (Jim Slater and Ash Goldie); two are juniors (Colton Fretter and David Booth); three are sophomores (Drew Miller, Tyler Howells, A.J. Thelen and Tommy Goebel); and two are freshmen (Chris Mueller and Jim McKenzie).
GET THE OFFENSE MOVING
In MSU's last three wins, the Spartans are averaging 4.7 goals per game, including a season-best six goals at Bowling Green (Dec. 4). On the flip side, in State's last three losses, the Spartans tallied three goals (1.0 goals per game).
MSU, which ranks second in the CCHA in shots on goal at 34.50, ranks 10th in the CCHA and tied for 35th in the nation, averaging 2.83 goals per game.
All told, MSU is 7-1-0 when scoring four or more goals, but just 1-8-1 when failing to register more than two goals in a game.
INCONSISTENCIES WITH MAN ADVANTAGE
It has been a struggle at times for the Spartans with the man advantage. In their eight wins, the Spartans are connecting at a 27.1 percent clip (13-of-48) with the man advantage. State has at least two power-play tallies in five of the eight victories, including a season-best three in MSU's 5-1 win at Ferris State (Nov. 6) and again in a 6-4 win at Bowling Green (Dec. 4).
However, it has been a different story in the team's eight losses as MSU is just 7-for-67 (.104) with the extra skater. The Spartans have had plenty of opportunities in those games as State had 11 power-play attempts vs. St. Lawrence (0 goals); 12 and 10 vs. Northern Michigan (1 goal each night); seven vs. Nebraska-Omaha (0 goals); five vs. Michigan (1 goal); six at Michigan (2 goals); four attempts at Minnesota (0 goals); seven vs. Bowling Green (one goal) and five at Notre Dame (one goal). MSU's two power-play goals at U-M marked the first time all season that State had scored two power-play markers in a loss.
AND MORE ON THAT POWER PLAY
Overall, MSU's power play is connecting at a 17.1 percent clip (21-of-123). The Spartans are seventh in the CCHA and 26th in the country with the man advantage.
POWER PLAY MUST BE KEY TO SUCCESS
One of the keys to Michigan State's success over the past few seasons has been the Spartans' power play. In 2003-04, MSU's power play ranked 25th in the nation and fourth in the CCHA at 17.8 percent (31-of-174).
To further illustrate MSU's success, take note: MSU led the CCHA and ranked third in the nation with the man advantage at 27.5 percent (50-of-182) in 2002-03. MSU led the CCHA and finished ninth in the nation on the power play in 2001-02 at 22.5 percent (45-of-200). The Spartans also led the CCHA and ranked seventh in the nation at 22.7 percent (52-of-229) in 2000-01, while in 1999-2000, State once again led the CCHA and ranked sixth in the nation at 22.9 percent (56-of-245).
 Jim Slater |
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SR F Jim Slater is starting to return to form for the Spartans which is good news for Spartans fans and bad news for opponents. Over the course of the last eight games, he has tallied 10 points (four goals, six assists).
For the season, Slater ranks second on the team in scoring with 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) which places him tied for 10th in the CCHA overall scoring race. His 12 helpers pace MSU, while his six goals are fourth.
RETURNING TO FORM II
For the record, 13 of Jim Slater 17 points this season have come via the power play as he has tallied four goals and nine assists.
BLANKING THAT OPPONENT
SO G Dominic Vicari recorded his second shutout of the season and the ninth of his career at Wisconsin (Nov. 26). The Clinton Township, Mich., native stopped 28 shots en route to a 4-0 blanking.
He posted his first shutout of the season and the eighth of his career as he stopped 32 shots in a 2-0 win over Cornell (Nov. 14). With that shutout, Vicari moved into third place on MSU's career blankings list, surpassing Bob Essensa (1983-87) who had seven. Ryan Miller (1999-2002) is State's career leader with 26, while Chad Alban (1994-98) is second with 12.
ON THIS DATE
In games played on Dec. 29, MSU is 14-8 all-time:
• In 1967, State posted a 7-0 blanking of Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament.
• In 1969, MSU dropped a 6-5 decision to New Hampshire at the Boston Invitational.
• In 1971, Michigan Tech posted a 3-2 win over MSU in the title game of the GLI.
• In 1977, MSU dropped a 7-5 decision at home to Boston University.
• In 1978, MSU earned a 7-5 win vs. Northeastern.
• In 1979, the Spartans dropped a 10-4 decision to Wisconsin at the GLI.
• In 1981, MSU dropped a 6-3 decision to Michigan Tech at the GLI.
• In 1982, State captured the GLI title with a 5-3 win over Michigan Tech at the Joe.
• In 1983, State beat Northern Michigan 5-1 in the first game of the GLI.
• In 1984, MSU captured its third straight GLI title with a 7-0 blanking of Michigan Tech.
• In 1985, State won its fourth straight GLI title with a 8-3 win over Rensselaer.
• In 1987, MSU beat Michigan Tech, 5-2, in the semifinals of the GLI.
• In 1988, North Dakota beat MSU 7-3 at Joe Louis Arena.
• In 1989, MSU skated to a 3-2 win over Michigan Tech at the GLI.
• In 1990, the Spartans fell to Michigan Tech, 3-2.
• In 1993, MSU skated to a 3-2 OT win over Michigan Tech in the GLI semifinals.
• In 1994, MSU defeated Cornell, 9-4 in the GLI semifinals.
• In 1995, State beat Michigan Tech 3-2 in overtime.
• In 1999, the Spartans beat Michigan Tech, 6-3 in the GLI semifinals.
• In 2000, MSU beat Boston College, 4-1 in the GLI semifinals.
• In 2001, MSU dropped a 5-4 overtime decision to North Dakota in the GLI finals.
• In 2002, MSU beat Michigan Tech, 6-2 at the Joe.
In games played on Dec. 30, MSU is 7-8-1 all-time:
• In 1952, MSU dropped a 2-1 OT decision at Denver.
• In 1958, MSU skated to a 3-2 win at Boston University in the final game of a three-game Eastern trek.
• In 1967, MSU beat Wisconsin 4-3 in the Big Ten Tournament.
• In 1969, State skated to a 6-5 win over Northeastern at the Boston Invitational.
• In 1977, State dropped a 6-3 decision to Boston University at home.
• In 1978, the Spartans dropped a 5-2 decision to Northeastern.
• In 1981, MSU and Michigan skated to a 4-4 tie at the GLI.
• In 1983, State won its second straight GLI title with a 6-2 win over Michigan Tech.
• In 1987, State dropped a 4-3 decision to Wisconsin in the GLI title tilt.
• In 1988, State posted a 7-1 win over Michigan Tech at the Joe.
• In 1989, State dropped a 6-3 decision to Michigan in the GLI title game.
• In 1993, MSU dropped a 4-2 decision to Michigan in the GLI title game.
• In 1994, State dropped a 5-4 decision to Michigan in the GLI title game.
• In 1995, MSU dropped a 3-1 decision to Michigan.
• In 1999, the Spartans picked up a 3-1 win over Michigan in the GLI title tilt.
• In 2000, State won its ninth GLI title with a 3-2 win over Michigan Tech in overtime.
 Rick Comley |
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In his third season behind the Michigan State bench is Rick Comley. Comley, who was named head coach on March 25, 2002, became just the fifth head coach in MSU hockey history.
He carries a 651-515-76 (.555) career record in 32 seasons and ranks seventh all-time on the NCAA hockey coaches wins list. In addition, his 651 career victories ranks third among active NCAA coaches, behind Boston College's Jerry York (704 wins) and Boston University's Jack Parker (702 wins).
The 2003-04 Spartan squad finished the season with a 23-17-2 overall slate en route to advancing to the NCAA Tournament. State came within three points of winning the league's regular-season crown as the Spartans finished with a third-place 17-9-2 CCHA mark. State, which made its 23rd appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 2004, finished the season ranked 14th in the USA Today/American Hockey Magazine poll and 12th in the USCHO.com poll.
The accolades continued to pile up for MSU players as forward Jim Slater and defenseman A.J. Thelen both earned All-America Second-Team honors for the first time in their careers. Slater also was a Hobey Baker Finalist, marking the seventh straight year that the Spartans have had a Hobey Baker finalist. In addition, Thelen and goaltender Dominic Vicari were selected to the CCHA All-Rookie Team. Thelen became the third Spartan blueliner to receive the CCHA's Best Offensive Defenseman award, while Vicari picked up the CCHA's Best Goaltender after leading the conference with six blankings.
In his first season at MSU, he led the Spartans to a 23-14-2 (.615) overall mark. He became one of just seven coaches to reach the 600-win plateau, a feat he accomplished on Oct. 24, 2002, when the Spartans beat Lake Superior State, 7-0. In addition, he coached a pair of All-Americans in senior defensemen John-Michael Liles and Brad Fast. Liles led the team in scoring en route to earning the CCHA Best Offensive Defenseman award, while Fast finished second in scoring and was the recipient of the CCHA's Best Defensive Defenseman award.
Comley brings 31 years of head coaching experience and a proven record of success at the conference and national levels. During his career, he's coached nine Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalists, including 2003 finalist John-Michael Liles and 2004 finalist Jim Slater; 14 All-Americans; four league players of the year; 25 first-team all-league selections, including 2004 honorees Jim Slater and A.J. Thelen; and 80 academic all-league selections.
DID YOU KNOW?
Eight current Spartans (Tyler Howells, Chris Lawrence, Bryan Lerg, Drew Miller, Adam and Jared Nightingale, Jim Slater and Dominic Vicari) have fathers who played college or professional sports. However, of those eight, only Howells', Lerg's and Miller's dads played college hockey. Howells' dad, Robert, played at Bemidji State; Lerg's father, Dan, played at Michigan; while Miller's dad, Dean, was a Spartan.
SPARTAN HOCKEY TICKET INFORMATION
Single-game tickets are available for all games. Single-game tickets are $20 each, $8 for MSU students with one per ID.
There is also the "Hat Trick" Plan where fans can pick any three games for $54.
Group tickets are available for all remaining games. Tickets are $8 each for groups of 30 or more.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the MSU Athletics Ticket Office in Jenison Field House, by phone (1.800.GO STATE or 517.355.1610) or online (msuspartans.com). The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
If you need more information or have additional questions, please contact the MSU Athletics Ticket Office.
UP NEXT
The Spartans return to CCHA play with a two-game set at Miami, Jan. 7-8. Miami (7-9-2 overall, 3-7-2 CCHA) faces Colorado College (Dec. 29) and Minnesota State (Dec. 30) in the Ohio Hockey Classic.
