Charlie Stramel’s Hat Trick Lifts Michigan State Over Penn State in Overtime Thriller at Beaver Stadium
In front of a jaw-dropping crowd of 74,575 fans packed into Beaver Stadium, No. 2-ranked Michigan State pulled off a dramatic 5-4 overtime win over No. 5 Penn State in an outdoor spectacle that lived up to the hype. Senior forward Charlie Stramel etched his name into Spartan lore with a hat trick - the first of his career - capping it off with a walk-off game-winner in OT.
This wasn’t just a hockey game. It was a heavyweight bout under the open sky, with momentum swinging like a pendulum and both teams trading haymakers until the final blow landed off Stramel’s stick.
“Really tough environment,” said Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale. “The crowd was incredible.
Credit to Penn State for hosting something special. It was back and forth, but we stuck with it.
Some timely goals, especially the one with two seconds left in the second - that was huge. To come back like that, on the road, and finish it in overtime… that’s a big-time win.”
Spartans Stay Hot in the Big Ten
With the win, Michigan State improves to 21-5-0 overall and 12-4 in Big Ten play. They leave University Park having taken five of a possible six points on the weekend, and 10 out of 12 from Penn State in the season series - a statement in a conference that’s been a gauntlet all year.
The Spartans now gear up for a marquee matchup next weekend in Ann Arbor against top-ranked Michigan. But before we look ahead, let’s break down how Saturday’s instant classic unfolded.
Stramel, Russell, and Martone Lead the Charge
Michigan State’s top line was electric. Stramel and senior forward Daniel Russell each posted four points - Stramel with three goals and an assist, Russell with a goal and three helpers.
Freshman forward Porter Martone wasn’t far behind, notching three assists of his own. That trio combined for 11 points and was the driving force behind MSU’s offense all afternoon.
Senior defenseman Matt Basgall also played a pivotal role, scoring the game-tying goal in the third with a laser from the point that rang off the crossbar and in - a captain’s goal if there ever was one.
Trey Augustine, the Spartans’ rock in net, made 31 saves and improved to 15-5-2 in his career against Top 5 opponents. He came up clutch again, including a key breakaway stop that kept MSU in it late.
Special Teams and Shot Volume Tell the Story
The Spartans held a 40-35 edge in shots and were lights-out on the penalty kill, going a perfect 3-for-3 and turning away all five of Penn State’s power play shots. On the flip side, MSU’s power play went 1-for-2 - and that lone conversion came at a critical moment.
Trailing 3-2 late in the second period, the Spartans earned a power play with under a minute to go. With just 10 seconds left before intermission, Russell found Stramel wide open in the slot. The senior buried it - his second of the game - tying things up at 3-3 and swinging momentum back in MSU’s favor.
Back-and-Forth Battle in the Third
The third period opened with fireworks. Penn State struck first on a breakaway just over four minutes in, reclaiming a 4-3 lead. But the Spartans answered three minutes later with Basgall’s bar-down beauty to make it 4-4.
Both teams had chances to end it in regulation, but neither could break through. That set the stage for overtime - and for Stramel to play the hero.
Overtime Magic Under the Lights
Michigan State didn’t just win in overtime - they dominated it. The Spartans registered all three shots on goal in the extra frame, controlling possession and applying pressure from the drop.
Russell nearly ended it himself, forcing a save before battling for the puck along the boards. Junior defenseman Patrick Geary came away with it and slid a perfect feed to Stramel, who was left all alone in front.
One quick release later, the puck was in the back of the net, and the Spartans were mobbing their hat-trick hero.
It was Stramel’s sixth game-winner of the season - and easily the most memorable.
What’s Next
With the win, Michigan State continues to build its case as a national title contender. They’ve shown they can win in hostile environments, under unique conditions, and against elite competition. Next week’s showdown with Michigan will be another test - but if Saturday’s performance is any indication, the Spartans are more than ready for the moment.
As for Stramel? He’s not just heating up - he’s arriving. And with this kind of top-line production, Michigan State’s ceiling just keeps rising.