Excitement is in the air as Michigan State takes on Michigan Tech in a thrilling championship showdown! The Spartans are currently engaged in their annual holiday hockey tournament, known as the Great Lakes Invitational. After a solid victory over Ferris State in the semifinals with a score of 5-2 on Sunday night, they are now set to face off against Michigan Tech for the championship title.
Ranked as the No. 3 team in the nation by USCHO and boasting a record of 13 wins and 4 losses, Michigan State is aiming to defend their title after winning the tournament last year. On the other hand, Michigan Tech, which has garnered votes in the latest rankings and holds a record of 11 wins, 6 losses, and 2 ties, is eager to secure their 13th invitational championship, having last triumphed in 2023.
Stay Updated with the Championship Action
Game Start Time: Monday at 7 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: Streaming live on Big Ten Plus (link here )
Listen Live: Spartan Media Network (link here)
Game Progress Updates
9:40 1st Period: The game remains tied at 0-0 as both teams have had their share of penalties, but neither was able to capitalize. The Spartans hold a slight edge in shots on goal.
1:38 1st Period: A late period penalty for Michigan Tech gives Michigan State a prime opportunity to score before the first intermission.
End of 1st Period: The first period concludes with no goals, despite Michigan State leading in shots. They will carry over 22 seconds of power play time into the second period.
9:54 2nd Period: Michigan Tech starts strong, controlling play early in the second, forcing Spartan goalie Trey Augustine to make several crucial saves. However, Michigan State begins to regain momentum and apply pressure.
9:36 2nd Period: Michigan State breaks the deadlock! Following a media timeout that seemed to invigorate them, Anthony Romani scores the opening goal with a deft deflection off a shot from Colin Ralph. Daniel Russell also earns an assist.
4:57 2nd Period: Michigan State's Maxim Strbak heads to the penalty box for slashing, putting the Spartans on defense as they prepare to kill off a penalty.
2:02 2nd Period: After successfully killing the penalty, Michigan State strikes again! A flurry of action in front of the net results in a goal for Charlie Strammel, with assists from Patrick Geary and Russell. The Spartans lead 2-0 as the second period winds down.
End of 2nd Period: Although Michigan Tech has dominated possession and has more shots on goal, Michigan State leads where it counts—on the scoreboard—with a 2-0 advantage heading into the final period.
16:57 3rd Period: Strammel nets his second goal of the game early in the third, extending Michigan State’s lead to 3-0, with Romani credited for the assist.
13:38 3rd Period: Michigan Tech receives a chance to cut into the deficit with a power play opportunity as Romani is penalized for interference.
11:13 3rd Period: Finally, Michigan Tech finds the back of the net! Carson Latimer scores with a deflected shot, assisted by Jack Anderson, marking their first goal of the night. This goal comes just after MSU successfully killed the minor penalty.
9:48 3rd Period: The third period enters its media break with Michigan State still leading by two goals as the game approaches its final moments.
1:05 3rd Period: In a decisive moment, Tommi Manisto seals the game with an empty-net goal during a prolonged six-on-five situation, bringing the score to 4-1.
Final Score: Michigan State triumphs over Michigan Tech with a score of 4-1, securing back-to-back championships at the Great Lakes Invitational.
What do you think about Michigan State's performance in this tournament? Are they the team to beat moving forward? Join the conversation in the comments!
