Michigan HC Brandon Naurato Speaks After Loss to Michigan State

Wolverines fall to Spartans in Duel in the D rivalry game

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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After Michigan's loss to Michigan State in the Duel in the D hockey rivalry game, Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato spoke to the media about his team's defeat. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines on Saturday after Michigan had won the previous matchup on Friday.

Why it matters

The Duel in the D is a highly anticipated annual hockey matchup between the two in-state rivals, Michigan and Michigan State. The outcome of these games can have significant implications for the teams' seasons and conference standings.

The details

Following the game, Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato addressed the media, discussing his team's loss to Michigan State inside Little Caesars Arena. The Wolverines will look to bounce back next weekend when they take on Penn State, while the Spartans get a bye week before hosting Notre Dame.

  • Michigan defeated Michigan State on Friday night.
  • Michigan State defeated Michigan on Saturday in the Duel in the D.

The players

Brandon Naurato

The head coach of the Michigan Wolverines hockey team.

Michigan State

The Michigan State Spartans hockey team, the in-state rivals of the Michigan Wolverines.

Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines hockey team.

Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions hockey team, who Michigan will face next weekend.

Notre Dame

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey team, who Michigan State will host after their bye week.

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What they’re saying

“After Michigan's loss to Michigan State in the Duel in the D hockey rivalry game, Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato spoke to the media about his team's defeat.”

— Brandon Naurato, Head Coach, Michigan Wolverines (usatoday.com)

What’s next

Michigan will be back in action against Penn State next weekend in another huge Big Ten series, while Michigan State gets a bye week before hosting Notre Dame.

The takeaway

The Duel in the D rivalry game between Michigan and Michigan State is a highly anticipated annual matchup that can have significant implications for the teams' seasons and conference standings. Michigan's loss to their in-state rivals will be an important learning experience as they prepare to face Penn State next weekend.