Everyone has had the North Dakota vs. Michigan State hockey game circled on their calendars since the game was announced and that’s because it’s going to pit two absolutely loaded-with-talent teams against each other.
Michigan State is loaded with first-rounders and draft picks and North Dakota is, too, making this the most first-rounders to ever take the ice in one NCAA hockey game.
The Spartans are ranked No. 4 in the country after losing to New Hampshire to kick off last weekend. They would eventually split that two-game series but it was an overall disappointing loss heading into the biggest non-conference game of the season.
North Dakota, on the other hand, just got swept by Minnesota in a weekend series, dropping from No. 3 to No. 8 in this week’s poll. It obviously would have been more exciting if both teams were undefeated and potential playing for that No. 1 overall ranking, but a few hiccups last weekend prevented that.
You’re not going to want to miss Saturday night’s Halloween showdown, and here’s how you can watch online:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 31
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Austin, Texas
Live stream: NCHC TV
Live stat tracker: Here
This is one of the most highly-anticipated games of the season and Adam Nightingale is going to need to have his guys ready to go. This will be a huge test before the Spartans face Boston and then open Big Ten play in November. If they can win this game, they’ll be in prime position to begin conference action.
A win would also go a long way for the team’s confidence.
Halloween is obviously a busy time for everyone, but if you’re free after trick-or-treating or before bar-hopping, throw on a top-10 college hockey matchup.
It’s national title or bust for Adam Nightingale
Although he’ll never come out and say it, Nightingale is expecting a championship this year with his most loaded team since taking over as head coach four years ago.
It’s time he gets to a Frozen Four and takes care of business there. Michigan State is the last Big Ten team to win an NCAA hockey title and it needs to end that two-decade long drought and renew that distinction with a 2027 crown.
Nightingale has the most talented team, on paper, in Michigan State hockey history and now it’s time for them to take care of business and play like a team filled with first-round picks.
A big win over North Dakota would be a great start.
No one likes to say “national title or bust” but after three straight Big Ten titles and no Frozen Fours, it’s time. That quest really starts on Saturday night.
Add us as a preferred source on Google