Michigan State hockey has options at goalie and that's a good thing

Michigan State hockey has showcased why they are not only the No. 1 team in the Big Ten but also in the country.

Everyone has seen that MSU has an elite goalie with Trey Augustine between the pipes. However, he has been away with Team USA, as they were able to capture a second-straight gold medal at the World Junior Championships.

The Spartans haven't lost a step with him away as sophomore netminder Luca Di Pasquo has easily filled the role. In fact he has played nearly as well as Augustine has played.

In Augustine's absence, Di Pasquo helped the Spartans not only win the Great Lakes Invitational he also was key in winning both games against Wisconsin, including their overtime victory at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

The goalies had a little fun, when Augustine made his return to campus this week, according to Connor Earegood from the Detroit News.

"I came straight up to the rink to unload my gear, and then Luca and Dolan (Gilbert) surprised me. They were hiding out by my car, and they scared me pretty good," Augustine said. "But it was good to see them, obviously coming in yesterday morning just seeing all the guys and how happy they were for me means a lot."

It's great to see them have some fun, and that Michigan State knows it can rely on both Augustine and Di Pasuquo in the net. Both are ready, and could easily see time especially this weekend with the team's two-game road trip at Penn State.

Head coach Adam Nightingale spoke on Tuesday at his weekly press conference, and said the team will make a decision Friday before their first game in Happy Valley.

"We''ll sort all that out," Nightingale said. "We'll make a decision on Friday that we think gives us the best chance to win a hockey game."

This team has Big Ten, and national championship aspirations, and it's great to know they have to goaltenders that can help them reach their goals.