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Michigan State, Michigan Clash in Marquee College Hockey Rivalry
Top-ranked Wolverines host No. 2 Spartans in highly anticipated two-game series
Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:15pm
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The top-ranked Michigan Wolverines will host their in-state rival, the second-ranked Michigan State Spartans, in a highly anticipated two-game college hockey series. Earlier this season, the teams split a pair of games, with each winning on the other's home ice. This matchup features the best teams in college hockey facing off in one of the sport's biggest rivalries.
Why it matters
This series is a showcase of college hockey's elite, with the Wolverines and Spartans ranked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the latest USCHO poll. The outcome could have major implications for the national championship picture, as well as conference standings and seeding for the NCAA tournament.
The details
The first game of the series will take place at Yost Arena in Ann Arbor. Michigan State and Michigan previously split a pair of games earlier this season, with each team winning on the road. This weekend's matchup is expected to be another closely contested affair between the bitter rivals.
- The series opener is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
- The teams will face off again on Saturday, February 7, 2026, though the start time for that game has not yet been announced.
The players
Michigan Wolverines
The No. 1 ranked college hockey team in the country, led by head coach Mel Pearson.
Michigan State Spartans
The No. 2 ranked college hockey team in the country, led by head coach Danton Cole.
What they’re saying
“This is the kind of game that college hockey fans live for. The rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State is one of the best in the sport, and when both teams are ranked this highly, it's must-see TV.”
— Jim Connelly, USCHO.com Editor
What’s next
The winner of this weekend's series will likely claim the top spot in the national rankings, while the loser will drop to No. 2. The teams are scheduled to meet again in the regular season finale on March 6-7.
The takeaway
This highly anticipated matchup between the top two college hockey teams in the country is a showcase of the sport's elite talent and one of its fiercest rivalries. The outcome of this series could have major implications for the national championship race.
