MSU Hockey Star Charlie Stramel Earns Big Ten Honor

Spartans forward named Big Ten First Star of the Week after impressive weekend

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:31pm

Michigan State forward and alternate captain Charlie Stramel was named the Big Ten First Star of the Week after recording five points, including an overtime game-winning hat trick, in a sweep of Penn State this past weekend. Stramel is one of the Spartans' top performers this season, with 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 total points.

Why it matters

Stramel's strong play has been a key factor in Michigan State's success this season, as the Spartans rank No. 2 in the country and are considered one of the favorites to win the National Championship. His recognition as the Big Ten First Star of the Week highlights his individual excellence and the team's overall strength.

The details

In the two-game series against Penn State, Stramel recorded five points, including an overtime game-winning goal for a hat trick on Saturday in the outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. His performance led the Spartans to a sweep of the Nittany Lions, who were also ranked in the top five nationally coming into the weekend.

  • On February 4, 2026, Stramel was named the Big Ten First Star of the Week.

The players

Charlie Stramel

A forward and alternate captain for the Michigan State hockey team, Stramel is one of the Spartans' top performers this season with 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 total points.

Michigan State

The Michigan State hockey team, ranked No. 2 in the country, is considered one of the favorites to win the National Championship this year.

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What’s next

Michigan State will be looking for another big weekend from Stramel this week, with the Spartans set to face rival No. 1 Michigan. The two hated rivals will play a two-game series, starting on Friday in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The takeaway

Stramel's recognition as the Big Ten First Star of the Week highlights his individual excellence and the overall strength of the Michigan State hockey team, which is ranked No. 2 in the country and considered a favorite to win the National Championship this season.