Spartan Hockey Takes 2 From Penn State

Spartans get 5 of 6 points from PSU after big OT win at Beaver Stadium

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:15pm

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MSU took 5 of 6 points from Penn State in a crucial matchup this weekend to put MSU's chance at a B1G three peat into their own hands. Friday night saw the Spartans take care of business on a 6-3 win with an Anthony Romani hat trick as Saturday Charlie Stramel hit the hat trick in OT putting the Spartans on top 5-4.

Why it matters

This was an important series to try to take the conference title, in trying to secure a #1 seed come tournament time, and road wins against top ranked opponents have more weight. On the season the Spartans swept PSU and took 10 of 12 points.

The details

Friday night's game saw the Spartans jump out to a 3-0 lead in the first period with goals from Romani, Owen West, and Romani again on the power play. Things got chippy in the second period with a big hit from Lindstrom leading to a brawl. Penn State cut the lead to 4-3 in the third before Romani completed his hat trick and Daniel Russell added an empty-netter for the 6-3 final. Saturday's outdoor game at Beaver Stadium was a back-and-forth affair, with the teams tied 3-3 after regulation. In overtime, Stramel scored the game-winner for his third goal of the night, giving MSU the 5-4 victory.

  • On Friday night, the Spartans jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period.
  • In the second period of Friday's game, a big hit from Lindstrom led to a brawl.
  • Penn State cut the Spartans' lead to 4-3 in the third period of Friday's game.
  • Saturday's outdoor game at Beaver Stadium was tied 3-3 after regulation.
  • In overtime on Saturday, Stramel scored the game-winning goal for his third of the night.

The players

Anthony Romani

A Spartan hockey player who scored a hat trick in Friday's game.

Charlie Stramel

A Spartan hockey player who scored the game-winning goal in overtime on Saturday and had a hat trick.

Joshua Fleming

The Penn State goaltender.

Aiden Fink

A Penn State hockey player who scored two goals in Saturday's game.

Gavin McKenna

A Penn State hockey player who scored a goal and had an assist in Saturday's game.

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What they’re saying

“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 and Wolverines, who are ranked 1st and 2nd in the conference, will face off next weekend in a highly anticipated matchup with major implications for the Big Ten title race.

The takeaway

This weekend's series between Michigan State and Penn State was a crucial one in the Big Ten hockey standings, with the Spartans taking 5 of 6 possible points to put themselves in prime position to win a third straight conference championship.