Michigan Hockey Advances to Big Ten Tournament Championship

Wolverines defeat Penn State 5-2 to reach conference title game

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:48pm

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The Michigan hockey team defeated No. 10 Penn State 5-2 in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals, punching their ticket to the conference championship game. The Wolverines got goals from Garrett Schifsky, Nick Moldenhauer, Cole McKinney, Michael Hage, and an empty-netter from T.J. Hughes to secure the victory.

Why it matters

Michigan's win over Penn State keeps their championship hopes alive as they advance to the Big Ten Tournament final. The Wolverines are looking to capture their first conference tournament title since 2016.

The details

Michigan struck first with a goal from Garrett Schifsky in the opening period, but Penn State answered with a power play tally to tie it 1-1 heading into the second. The Wolverines then scored twice in the second period to take a 3-1 lead, but the Nittany Lions cut the deficit to 3-2 early in the third. Michigan added two more goals, including a 5-on-3 power play goal, to seal the 5-2 victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Michigan scored the opening goal just over 3 minutes before the end of the first period.
  • Penn State scored the equalizer on the power play in the final minutes of the first period.
  • Michigan regained the lead with a power play goal just over 5 minutes into the second period.
  • The Wolverines extended their lead to 3-1 a few minutes later in the second period.
  • Penn State made it a one-goal game at 3-2 early in the third period.
  • Michigan scored on the 5-on-3 power play in the final minutes to make it 4-2.
  • T.J. Hughes added an empty-net goal with 30 seconds left to seal the 5-2 win.

The players

Garrett Schifsky

Michigan forward who scored two goals in the game.

Josh Fleming

Penn State goaltender.

Gavin McKenna

Penn State forward who scored the equalizing goal in the first period.

Nick Moldenhauer

Michigan forward who had a goal and an assist.

Cole McKinney

Michigan forward who scored a goal.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough battle against a talented Penn State team, but our guys showed a lot of grit and determination to get this win and advance to the championship game.”

— Mel Pearson, Michigan Hockey Head Coach (maizenbrew.com)

What’s next

Michigan will face the winner of Saturday night's semifinal matchup between Michigan State and Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament championship game next weekend.

The takeaway

Michigan's victory over Penn State keeps their hopes alive for a Big Ten Tournament title, which would be their first since 2016. The Wolverines will need to continue their strong play to capture the conference crown and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.