Michigan State out to prove it's earned the preseason hype

EAST LANSING, Mich. – It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hype around Michigan State hockey right now. 

The Spartans are ranked No. 9 in the national preseason poll, were picked to finish third in the Big 10, and after years in college hockey’s weird mushy middle, are now a must-watch program when it comes to the NHL prospect space. 

Entering his second season at Michigan State, head coach Adam Nightingale has aggressively made in-roads in recruiting in both the USHL and through the transfer portal. 

The Spartans added 15 new players this summer, including freshman goalie Trey Augustine, a second-round draft pick by the Detroit Red Wings, freshman defenseman Maxim Štrbák, a Sabres second-rounder, junior Red Savage, a transfer from Miami and another Detroit prospect, and Tampa Bay Lightning fir