Game vs. Western Ontario

The Spartans will host Western Ontario in an exhibition game on Friday at 7 pm. Michigan State was victorious in last year's game between the two teams. I'm looking forward to seeing how the new freshman will fit into the system and who will emerge as the top scoring threat. The Spartans have some big shoes to fill in Petry's departure from the blue line and both Tropp and Rowe's offense. I think Jake Chelios, Greg Wolfe, and Lee Reimer will get significant playing time as freshman. Chelios will likely battle to fit in as the 6th defenseman. I assume the D pairing of Grassi and Josepher will stay together, but I have no idea how the rest of the pairs will turn out. This should be a breakout year for Daultan Leveille and Derek Grant should have another good scoring campaign. The lines will likely be mixed and matched for the first couple of weeks, but expect to see the combo of Hayes-Forfar-Walrod as one of the top lines on Friday. Palmisano is one of the best goaltenders in the conference and has a very capable backup in Yanakeff.