In an impressive display of skill and determination, the No. 3 Michigan State Spartans defeated Michigan Tech 4-1 to claim the Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) championship on January 1, 2024, at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Michigan State, who lost to Michigan Tech in the championship match two years ago.
Leading the way for the Spartans was Charlie Stramel, who scored two goals and earned the title of tournament MVP. Goaltender Trey Augustine also excelled, making 32 saves to help secure the win. Four Spartans were recognized for their performances in the tournament, joining Stramel on the all-tournament team were forward Anthony Romani and defenseman Patrick Geary. Michigan Tech’s Stiven Sardarian and defenseman Jack Anderson also received all-tournament honors.
With this victory, Michigan State (14-4-0) became the first team to win consecutive GLI titles since Michigan achieved back-to-back wins in 2014 and 2015. The Spartans have now claimed a total of 14 GLI titles, the second most in the tournament’s history. Head coach Adam Nightingale expressed pride in his team’s achievement, acknowledging the difficulty of competing in such a prestigious tournament.
The championship match began as a goaltending showdown. Both Augustine and Michigan Tech’s Owen Bartoszkiewicz were unyielding in the first period, with Augustine registering 10 saves and Bartoszkiewicz making 14 stops. Michigan Tech (11-7-2) showcased strong offensive efforts, particularly from Sardarian, who ranks third nationally with 29 points. Despite some early opportunities, neither team could find the back of the net in the opening period.
The game shifted in favor of Michigan State midway through the second period. With just under ten minutes remaining, Romani tipped a shot from defenseman Colin Ralph past Bartoszkiewicz, giving the Spartans a 1-0 advantage. Bartoszkiewicz later made a stunning glove save on a shot from Stramel, keeping the score close as Michigan Tech pushed for an equalizer.
Stramel ultimately extended the Spartans’ lead late in the game, scoring his first goal after bouncing a loose puck off Bartoszkiewicz. He added another goal three minutes into the third period, setting a new career-high with his tenth goal of the season. Romani praised Stramel’s contributions, highlighting his skill and work ethic on the ice.
Michigan Tech managed to narrow the gap with a goal from Anderson late in the third, after a defensive miscue by Michigan State. The goal, a point shot that was tipped by teammate Carson Latimer, marked Anderson’s second of the tournament. Despite the goal, Augustine’s solid performance continued, as he made crucial saves to maintain the Spartans’ lead.
As the final minutes ticked away, Michigan State’s defense held strong against Michigan Tech’s attempts to equalize, even with Bartoszkiewicz pulled for an extra attacker. Forward Tommi Mannisto sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, ending the match at 4-1. Michigan Tech head coach Bill Muckalt acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but commended Michigan State for their performance.
In the third-place game, Miami secured a 4-2 victory over Ferris State, marking the RedHawks’ first appearance in the GLI. Defenseman Ryder Thompson and center Max Helgeson both found the net in the second period to give Miami control of the match. Despite Ferris State outshooting Miami 32-22, the RedHawks held on for the win, bolstered by a solid performance from Mathis Langevin, who made his collegiate debut in goal.
The Great Lakes Invitational showcased the competitive spirit of college hockey, with Michigan State emerging as champions and Miami making a strong impression in their inaugural tournament appearance.
