The Big Ten Hockey season is at a critical juncture, with only four weeks remaining for conference games. This week’s schedule promises an array of exciting matchups and intense rivalries, as teams vie for valuable points in the standings.
Of particular note is the upcoming match between No. 9/8 Michigan State and No. 11/11 Michigan, marking the second time these two teams will face off in three weeks. After evenly splitting their previous series, the action will now shift to the “Duel in the D” at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. This highly anticipated rivalry showdown will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, showcasing one of college hockey’s most celebrated rivalries.
In a series with high stakes, No. 4/4 Wisconsin will host rv/#20 Notre Dame, with Wisconsin trailing Michigan State by just five points and two games in hand. Notre Dame has shown strong form, winning four of its last five games, while the Badgers will aim to continue their momentum, having previously swept a series on Irish ice in January.
Another pivotal matchup will see No. 8/9 Minnesota take on Penn State in the Twin Cities, as both teams strive to remain in the title chase. Minnesota has demonstrated strong form, securing 13 of 18 possible points in the new year, while Penn State also enters the match on the back of a successful series, having swept Ohio State.
A highlight of the season was the Border Battle between Minnesota and Wisconsin, attracting an impressive 15,359 spectators to the Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. The game set the second-largest attendance for an NCAA men’s hockey game this season and the largest crowd at an on-campus facility.
Notably, Michigan sophomore forward Rutger McGroarty received the Hockey Commissioners Association’s national player of the month for January. McGroarty led the nation with 16 points in six games, earning recognition for his exceptional talent.
Moreover, eight Big Ten rookies have been nominated for the Tim Taylor Award, presented annually to the nation’s top freshman player, adding further excitement to the season.
With a wealth of talent and intense matchups, Big Ten Hockey continues to captivate fans and offer thrilling action as the season unfolds. Fans can follow the excitement on social media using the hashtag #B1GHockey and can look forward to more compelling hockey in the coming weeks.