Petry and Tropp

The speculation has begun as to whether Jeff Petry and Corey Tropp will stay for another season in the Green and White. Andrew Rowe has already been quoted as saying that he's definitely here for his senior year. In a State News article, I read that Coach Comley believes that Petry will sign and it was unsure about Tropp. I respect their decisions to fulfill NHL dreams, but I think that both would benefit from another year in college and hopefully they could end their careers at a Frozen Four next year. I think one of the two will probably leave early, but I do not see the Spartans losing both for next season.

Michigan 5 Michigan State 3

Michigan got off to another fast start by scoring the first two goals of the game. Michigan State came roaring back with two goals by Andrew Rowe and one by Nick Sucharski. Rowe made an incredible move on the defenseman and then scored a wrap-around to tie the game up. Sucharski helped MSU take the lead with .7 sec left on the clock in the first period. That was all the goals that Michigan State could muster. Michigan scored early in the second and finished the game with an empty-netter for a 5-3 win. Drew Palmisano had a tough weekend, but he did not get much help from the Spartans defensively. We turned the puck over way too much to give ourselves a chance to win the series. Bobby Jarosz came into the game after Michigan's two goals to spark the team and made 33 strong saves. Corey Tropp was hurt in warm-ups and did not play in the game. I thought that Derek Grant stepped up his physical play in both games and Rowe played well too especially in the 2nd game. Also, Kevin Walrod filled in nicely for Tropp and he was really making an effort to play the body. It was a disappointing end to the season, but the Spartans should be proud of what they have done with a 2nd place finish in the CCHA after a disastrous season a year ago.

Michigan 5 Michigan State 1

The Spartans lost to Michigan in a tough fashion. They were very much out-played and the score was indicative of the game. Derek Grant scored the lone goal for Michigan State.

Spartans Receive CCHA Recognition

Corey Tropp, Jeff Petry, and Drew Palmisano were all named to the CCHA All-Conference Second Team. Andrew Rowe and Torey Krug were among the others receiving votes. In addition, Torey Krug was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team and Derek Grant was an honorable mention.

Spartan Hockey Awards

Last night, the Michigan State hockey team had its annual awards banquet. The awards are as follows:
MVP- Corey Tropp
Outstanding Offensive Player- Corey Tropp
Outstanding Defensive Player- Jeff Petry
Most Improved- Brett Perlini
Rookie Award: Derek Grant and Torey Krug
Outstanding Senior Award- Nick Sucharski
Top-scholar Senior Award- Nick Sucharski
Amo Bessone Award- Trevor Nill
Goofus Award- Jay Sprague
Spartan Fitness- Brock Shelgren

Miller Named MVP, Canada Wins Gold

Ryan Miller was named the Most Valuable Player of the Olympic Hockey tournament. Miller was by far the top goaltender in the tournament and led his United States team to the gold medal game. Many hockey analysts are calling him the best goalie in the world and he proved it during the Olympics. Miller and the rest of the Americans really represented the country well and showed the strength of US hockey. Also, former Spartan Duncan Keith won a gold medal as a member of the Canadian team. He is a strong NHL player for the Blackhawks and had a great tournament as one of the top D men for Team Canada. Congratulations to Ryan Miller and Duncan Keith for their outstanding play in the Olympics!

Bowling Green 2 Michigan State 2 F/OT; BGSU wins shootout 1-0

Michigan State played a tough game on Bowling Green's Senior Night, but ultimately fell in a shootout. Andrew Rowe and Chris Forfar had the Spartan goals and Drew Palmisano made 32 saves in goal. Despite the loss, the Spartans finished second in the conference because Ferris State also lost a shootout. MSU will host the second round of the CCHA playoffs on March 12-14.

Michigan State 5 Bowling Green 2

The Spartans won a 5-2 contest against Bowling Green on Senior Night. Seniors, Jay Sprague and Nick Sucharski each had goals and Bobby Jarosz made 5 saves after entering the game halfway through the third period. Michigan State moved into second place with the win and the Ferris State tie. Josepher, Perlini, and Leville had goals and Tropp recorded two assists. It was a great way to send the seniors out and MSU clinched a first round bye in the CCHA playoffs.