Just days after Michigan State hockey was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament, one star Spartan was introduced by his new NHL team.
If you weren't ready to rip off the band-aid and think about the season that should have yielded Adam Nightingale's first Frozen Four, you were forced to when you logged onto social media today to see Porter Martone donning a Flyers cap and reflecting on his time at Michigan State.
The sight was tough for those of us who aren't ready to move on, and his first NHL press conference was a bittersweet listen as he thanked Michigan State for everything.
He also called his commitment to Michigan State the best decision he's ever made.
"I look back and (picking Michigan State) is the best decision I ever made. I have a ton of thanks to Adam Nightingale and the whole staff there. They did a tremendous job developing me. I learned so much as a player and in the gym creating pro habits. I really learned what its… https://t.co/5xXqCHAETX
— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) March 30, 2026
Martone had nothing but praise for MSU and his time in East Lansing in his presser.
It's still almost surreal to see him introduced as an NHL rookie, but he's been signed by the Flyers for their playoff run, and he joins the team for his first-ever game on Tuesday night.
It's been a rough week for Michigan State hockey fans
The past 72 hours have been pretty rough for Michigan State hockey fans.
First, the Spartans lost star senior Charlie Stramel in the first period after he tried to block a shot, breaking his ankle. He didn't return to the game, but it didn't look like it mattered with Michigan State up 3-1 with under five minutes to go. They were about to punch a ticket to their first Frozen Four in nearly two decades, but Wisconsin had other plans.
The Badgers scored two goals in 34 seconds to force overtime, and then Trey Augustine let a goal past him that he normally stops just seconds into the extra period.
That's the way Nightingale watched his season end after winning a third straight Big Ten title. It was a nightmare considering all the Spartans had to do was hold on for five minutes.
As if that wasn't bad enough, Malone reportedly signed an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers, ending his Michigan State career after one season, and then reports surfaced that Trey Augustine, too, would be leaving for the NHL with the Red Wings' organization.
If you know a Michigan State hockey fan, check on them.