Michigan State decisively secured the Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) championship on December 31, 2023, with a 4-1 victory over Michigan Tech at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. This win marked a significant moment for the Spartans, as they avenged their loss to the same team in the finals two years ago.
In a dominant performance, the Spartans were propelled by Charlie Stramel, who scored two goals and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). Goaltender Trey Augustine made 32 saves, showcasing exceptional skill throughout the match.
Spartans Claim Back-to-Back Titles
This victory not only adds to Michigan State’s storied hockey history, but it also establishes them as the first team to win consecutive GLI titles since Michigan achieved this feat in 2014 and 2015. With this triumph, Michigan State has now claimed its 14th GLI title, the second most in the tournament’s history.
“Last year when we won it, we hadn’t won it in over 15 years, and this was the first time in 25 years we went back to back,” said Michigan State coach Adam Nightingale. “It’s a hard tournament to have success in, and there are always good teams here.”
The match began as a tightly contested affair, with both goaltenders demonstrating remarkable skill. Augustine stopped 10 shots in the first period, while Michigan Tech’s Owen Bartoszkiewicz made 14 saves, keeping the score level at 0-0.
Michigan Tech’s offensive dynamo, Stiven Sardarian, a Russian winger, sought to spark his team with strong plays. Despite his efforts, including a near score from linemate Isaac Gordon, the Huskies could not find the back of the net in the first period.
Turning Point in the Second Period
The breakthrough for Michigan State came midway through the second period when forward Anthony Romani redirected a shot from defenseman Colin Ralph into the net, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead with 9:36 remaining in the period. Bartoszkiewicz, despite his excellent play, was unable to stop the puck from slipping through his five-hole.
Shortly after, Bartoszkiewicz redeemed himself, making a remarkable glove save on a shot from Stramel. However, Stramel’s persistence paid off later in the game. With just two minutes left in the third period, he scored again, extending the lead to 2-0, marking his third goal of the tournament.
Stramel added another goal early in the third period, bringing his season total to 10 goals. Romani praised his linemate, stating, “He’s good on the forecheck, he’s up and down the ice, and he’s a really skilled player as well. So it makes my job easy playing with him.”
Michigan Tech managed to narrow the deficit with a goal from defenseman Jack Anderson, who took advantage of a defensive miscue. His shot was tipped in by teammate Carson Latimer, making the score 2-1. Augustine had faced 31 shots by this point but remained solid in goal.
Despite a late push from Michigan Tech, Michigan State’s defense held strong. Even with an extra attacker after Bartoszkiewicz was pulled from the net, the Spartans did not allow a shot. Forward Tommi Mannisto sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final minute, finalizing the score at 4-1.
“Obviously, the guys aren’t happy with the result. It stings,” said Michigan Tech coach Bill Muckalt. “You’ve got to give credit. Tip your hat to the other team. They did a lot of good things.”
In the third-place game, Miami triumphed over Ferris State with a 4-2 victory. Despite a strong performance from Ferris State, Miami’s timely goals and solid goaltending from Mathis Langevin ensured their success in the tournament.
This year’s GLI demonstrated the high level of competition in college hockey, with Michigan State emerging as a formidable force. As players and coaches reflect on this tournament, they look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that await in the coming months.
