Popularity for MSU Hockey Program Grows

The  Red Wings may not be gracing the ice this year, but the Spartans are  making their presence known.

 The hockey program at Michigan State University has experienced an increase in ticket sales and attendance this year as interest continues to grow. 

  Before the  2012-13 season started, season ticket sales of 2,780 already surpassed last season's total of 2,396.

Initially, one might think this increase is caused by the NHL lockout, which is true in some cases. 

"Pretty much because there's no NHL, might as well watch some college," said MSU freshman Trevor Kubitskey.

However, a  more likely cause  is the promotion of the A-Team, the newly renamed student section, as well as dedicated, loyal fans.

"Our student section is a vital part of our program and will be the catalyst in helping us develop an incredible home ice advantage by bringing new energy to Munn Arena," said Head Coach Tom Anastos in a Sept. 26 interview. "They did a phenomenal job last season, and we expect to take another big step this year."

The Spartans  and the A-Team hope to bring energy to the next home series against Ohio State on Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at Munn Ice Arena.

Michigan State Hockey on Pace for Successful Season

The Michigan State University men's ice hockey team is shaping up to have a solid start for the 2012-13 season.

The Spartans have an overall record of 5-6-2, and a CCHA conference record of 3-4-1.

Three out of the Spartans five wins have been on home ice.

The Spartans' successful home record can likely be attributed to the high-energy student section at games.

"The crowd had a huge impact on the performance of our team,'' said head coach Tom Anastos in an interview following the Spartan's 7-2 victory over Michigan at home on Nov. 10.  "The players really appreciated that. Our guys were more relaxed and had more jump than we did on Friday [referring to the team's 5-1 loss Nov. 9 at Michigan] and I think the atmosphere made a huge difference."

The game drew a record crowd of 7, 225 to Munn Ice Arena.

"It reminded me of the old days,''  said Anastos in the same interview. "The uniforms [which were similar to the ones worn by the team in the 1980's], the atmosphere, the students, the energy, the rivalry. It was fun.''