Top-Ranked Michigan Defeats Penn State 5-2 to Advance to Big Ten Championship

The Wolverines will face the winner of Ohio State vs. Michigan State in the conference title game.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:20pm

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Top-ranked Michigan, the No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Conference Hockey Tournament, advanced to the conference championship with a 5-2 victory over third-seeded Penn State Nittany Lions at Yost Ice Arena on Saturday night. The win improved Michigan's all-time record against Penn State in Big Ten Tournament play to 2-4.

Why it matters

This victory keeps Michigan's hopes alive for a Big Ten championship and potential NCAA Tournament berth, while Penn State must now await its seeding for the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The details

Penn State head coach Guy Gadowsky opted to start Josh Fleming in goal instead of the typical rotation with Kevin Reidler. Michigan struck first with a goal from Garrett Schifsky, but Penn State's Gavin McKenna tied it up. The Wolverines then scored two unanswered goals in the second period, including a shorthanded tally from Schifsky. Penn State cut the deficit to 3-2 early in the third, but Michigan pulled away with two late goals, including a power-play goal, to secure the 5-2 win.

  • The game was played on Saturday night, March 14, 2026.

The players

Michigan Wolverines

The No. 2 seed in the Big Ten Conference Hockey Tournament.

Penn State Nittany Lions

The third-seeded team in the Big Ten Conference Hockey Tournament.

Garrett Schifsky

A Michigan forward who scored two goals in the game.

Gavin McKenna

Penn State's Big Ten scoring champion, who scored a goal in the game.

Guy Gadowsky

The head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Michigan will now await the winner of the semifinal matchup between Ohio State Buckeyes and top-seeded Michigan State Spartans to determine its opponent in the Big Ten Championship Game.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.