MSU hockey's Big Ten ranking highest in eight years

For the first time since 2015-16, Michigan State's hockey team is ranked third in the Big Ten preseason poll released on Monday.

After an 18-18-2 record in coach Adam Nightingale's first season in East Lansing last year, the Spartans added Detroit Red Wings draft picks Trey Augustine and Red Savage as well as Belarusian defenseman Artyom Levshunov, projected as a top-10 pick for the 2024 NHL draft.

Last week, MSU picked up a 2024-25 commitment from top prospect Cullen Potter, who will play for USA Hockey's U17 National Development Program in Plymouth this year. He is the No. 1-ranked American 2007-born recruit, according to Puck Preps.

The last time Michigan State was ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls was under coach Tom Anastos eight years ago. The team went from an 11-7-2 record and a Big Ten semifinal loss against Michigan in 2014-15 to 6-12-2 and a quarterfinal loss against Ohio State in overtime.

Two Spartans earned preseason honorable mention accolades. South Lyon's Augustine backstopped Team USA to a gold medal in the U18 world championships with a 2.85 goals against average. Brighton's Joey Larson had 13 goals and 27 points with Northern Michigan last year.

Michigan State will open the regular season at home against Lake Superior State on Oct. 7-8 in a pair of matinee games at Munn Ice Arena. 

Five Wolverines were named preseason all-Big Ten with Gavin Brindley and Seamus Casey earning first-team honors, Rutger McGroarty and Frank Nazar were named to the second team and Dylan Duke was an honorable mention selection.

Michigan will host Simon Fraser (Vancouver, British Columbia) in an exhibition game at Yost Ice Arena on Sept. 30.