Michigan State hockey is putting together a season that’s turning heads-and not just in East Lansing. Ranked No. 3 in both the USCHO.com and USA Hockey polls for the fourth consecutive week, the Spartans haven’t dipped below No. 4 all year. That consistency isn’t just impressive-it’s a sign of a program that’s not just back, but thriving.
This week, they’re back in a familiar spotlight: the Great Lakes Invitational. This marks Michigan State’s 49th appearance in the storied tournament, a stage they've graced almost every year since 1979.
The Spartans have made the GLI a second home, racking up 52 wins in the event-second only to rival Michigan’s 59. With 13 titles to their name, including last year’s championship win over then-No.
4 Western Michigan, MSU is once again a serious contender. That 3-1 victory in 2024 was their first GLI crown since 2009, and it came with a shutout performance in the opening round against Northern Michigan.
Goaltender Luca Di Pasquo earned Tournament MVP honors for his efforts, anchoring a defense that’s become the Spartans’ calling card.
And that defensive identity is no fluke. Michigan State currently ranks third in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 1.75 goals per game.
They’re also sixth in scoring margin at +1.63, a testament to their ability to control both ends of the ice. Offensively, they’re putting up 3.38 goals per game-a solid mark that ranks third in the Big Ten, even if it places them 61st nationally in raw scoring.
A big part of that offensive punch comes from the Spartans’ top line: Daniel Russell, Charlie Stramel, and Porter Martone. Together, they’ve combined for 52 points this season, with 21 goals and 31 assists between them.
Just as telling? Their collective +46 rating.
Stramel leads the group with a +16, while Martone and Russell are right behind at +15 apiece. That kind of two-way dominance is rare, especially from a line that includes two underclassmen.
Stramel, in particular, has been a force in the faceoff circle and on the scoresheet. He ranks 11th nationally in faceoff wins (196), 27th in assists per game (0.75), and 28th in points per game (1.13).
The former U.S. World Juniors standout has brought a veteran presence to a young lineup, and it’s showing in every zone.
Speaking of World Juniors, the Spartans are currently without four key forwards-Martone (Canada), Ryker Lee (USA), Eric Nilson (Sweden), and Shane Vansaghi (USA)-as they represent their countries at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championships in Minnesota. Martone is wearing the “C” for Team Canada, a role he’s familiar with after captaining the Canadians to U18 gold in 2024. He’s already made an impact in this year’s tournament, scoring an empty-net goal to seal Canada’s opening win over Czechia.
Under head coach Adam Nightingale, Michigan State has become a pipeline for international talent. Since Nightingale took over, eight active Spartans have suited up at World Juniors, with several others playing in the tournament before arriving in East Lansing.
That list includes Trey Augustine (USA), Isaac Howard (USA), Tommi Mannisto (Finland), and Maxim Strbak (Slovakia), all of whom played at World Juniors while on the MSU roster in the past two seasons. Red Savage and Stramel also competed at the tournament before joining the Spartans, and future defenseman Chase Reid is currently skating for Team USA.
Back on home ice, Trey Augustine has been nothing short of elite between the pipes. The junior goaltender leads the nation in shutouts (3), ranks sixth in goals against average (1.71), and is third in save percentage (.937).
He tops the Big Ten in all three categories. This will be Augustine’s first career GLI appearance-he missed previous tournaments while representing Team USA at World Juniors.
Now 20, he’s aged out of that tournament, but he’s more than ready to take center stage at the GLI.
So here we are: Michigan State is ranked, rolling, and ready for another shot at GLI glory. With a lockdown defense, a high-end top line, and one of the best goaltenders in college hockey, the Spartans aren’t just looking to defend their title-they’re staking a claim as one of the most complete teams in the country.