Spartans Look to Sweep Penn State in Big Hockey Series

Michigan State hockey team aims to stay hot and take control of conference race with two-game set against Penn State

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:15am

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The Michigan State Spartans hockey team is heading to Happy Valley this weekend for a crucial two-game series against the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Spartans currently sit in third place in the conference standings, just behind Penn State and Michigan. A sweep of the Nittany Lions would put the Spartans in prime position to potentially win the conference title, with big matchups against Michigan and other top teams still to come.

Why it matters

This weekend's series is a pivotal one in the race for the conference crown. The Spartans have a chance to leapfrog Penn State and take over sole possession of first place with a sweep. Maintaining their strong play down the stretch will be crucial for the Spartans as they look to three-peat as conference champions.

The details

The Spartans and Nittany Lions will face off on Friday at 6pm on B1G+ and then again on Saturday at 1pm at Beaver Stadium, with the outdoor game expected to draw a large crowd. Michigan State took 5 of 6 points when these teams last met earlier this season, winning in overtime and then blowing out Penn State in the second game. The Spartans will need strong performances from goaltender Dylan Augustine as well as their top scorers like Stramel, Russell, and Martone to get the job done against a talented Penn State squad led by Gavin McKenna, Matt DiMarsico, and JJ Weibusch.

  • The Spartans and Nittany Lions will face off on Friday, January 31, 2026 at 6pm.
  • The outdoor game between the two teams will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2026 at 1pm.

The players

Michigan State Spartans

The Michigan State hockey team is currently in third place in the conference standings with 30 points, just behind Penn State and Michigan.

Penn State Nittany Lions

The Penn State hockey team is in second place in the conference standings with 31 points, just ahead of Michigan State.

Dylan Augustine

The Spartans' goaltender has been playing very well over the last 4 games and will need to continue that strong play against Penn State.

Gavin McKenna

The Penn State forward ranks 10th nationally in assists and will be a key player for the Nittany Lions.

Matt DiMarsico

The Penn State forward is one of the top goal scorers for the 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

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

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Spartans will finish the regular season with series against Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Minnesota, with two of those three series at home. A sweep of Penn State this weekend would set up a pivotal conference title showdown with Michigan in the final weeks of the season.

The takeaway

This weekend's series against Penn State is a crucial one for the Spartans as they look to take control of the conference race and position themselves for a potential three-peat as conference champions. A sweep of the Nittany Lions would be a major statement and put the Spartans in the driver's seat heading into the final stretch of the regular season.