News Summary
Michigan State hockey kicks off the new season ranked No. 3 in the USCHO.com preseason poll, achieving significant momentum with 14 first-place votes. The Spartans, led by head coach Adam Nightingale and featuring key players like Hobey Baker Award recipient Isaac Howard, aim to build on last season’s success and capture a national title. They enter the season following a strong performance, having claimed both the Big Ten titles, despite a disappointing exit from the NCAA Tournament. The anticipation grows as the Spartans prepare for the upcoming challenges on the ice.
East Lansing, Michigan — Michigan State hockey will officially begin the 2025-26 season ranked No. 3 in the USCHO.com preseason poll released on Monday afternoon. This marks a significant achievement for the Spartans, as they secured the second-most first-place votes in the poll, totaling 14 votes.
Ranked just behind the defending national champions, Western Michigan, who hold the top spot, and Boston University, ranked No. 2, Michigan State stands out among other Big Ten teams with the highest ranking. Penn State follows closely at No. 5, while other notable rankings in the Big Ten include Minnesota at No. 8, Michigan at No. 12, Ohio State at No. 16, and Wisconsin at No. 20. Notably, Notre Dame is absent from the preseason poll.
The Spartans are entering the upcoming season with great expectations after a strong performance last year, finishing with a 26-7-4 record. They successfully clinched both the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles. However, their season ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament by Cornell.
Key players returning for Michigan State include Isaac Howard, the recipient of the Hobey Baker Award, and Trey Augustine, the junior goaltender who was honored as the Big Ten Goaltender of the Year. These players are expected to play pivotal roles in the team’s quest for the national title this season.
Adam Nightingale, the team’s head coach, is entering his third season and is focused on building on the successful framework established over the last few seasons. The combination of experienced players and the strategic direction led by Nightingale positions Michigan State as a formidable contender in college hockey.
The Spartans are not just looking to maintain their status but aim to elevate it by capturing a national championship, a goal that remains within reach given their current momentum and talent pool. The 2025-26 season is slated to kick off on October 3, 2025, with high hopes and ambitions as the Spartans set their sights on showcasing their skills on the national stage.
This preseason recognition solidifies Michigan State’s position as a powerhouse in college hockey, and fans are eagerly anticipating how the team will perform as the new season approaches.
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Additional Resources
- Spartans Wire
- Google Search: Michigan State hockey 2025-26 season
- College Hockey News
- Wikipedia: College hockey
- Onward State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College hockey
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Scholar: Michigan State hockey 2025-26 season
- Miami Redhawks
- Google News: Michigan State hockey
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