Michigan State hockey names captains ahead of exhibition with USNTDP
EAST LANSING -- Ahead of Saturday's exhibition game where fans can get a first look at the Michigan State hockey team under new coach Adam Nightingale, the team announced its captain and three alternate captains on Friday
Graduate transfer forward Miroslav Mucha, who comes into the program after playing four years at Lake Superior State, will wear the "C" on his sweater for the Spartans this season.
Mucha, a native of Bytca, Slovakia, comes into MSU after a senior season with the Lakers where he put up 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists) and appeared in all 37 games. A three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete, Mucha is pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in economic geography.
"I’m very confident and excited about our team leadership,” said Nightingale in a press release. “All four embody what it means to be a student-athlete at Michigan State. Leadership is not easy – but these four are up to the challenge and will have our team’s unwavering support.”
Fifth-year senior defensemen Cole and Christian Krygier, as well as junior defenseman Nash Nienhuis, were chosen as the three alternate captains for the Spartans.
Cole Krygier had four goals and seven assists last season, while Christian had two goals and six assists. Both ultimately decided to use the extra year of eligibility granted from the pandemic to return for a fifth season with MSU.
Nienhuis was the second-leading defensemen in scoring for the Spartans last year, trailing only now-graduated Dennis Cesana. Nienhuis had three goals and 14 assists while appearing in all 36 games.
Finally back on the ice
MSU preseason practices have been described as intense by several of the players. And now the Spartans will get their first chance against another team when they play the U.S. National Team Development Program U-18 team in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. Saturday at Munn Arena.
"We are very excited and have been working really hard this offseason to get it going," MSU senior forward Nico Muller said. "We're just ready to go. It's a really good group of guys and the commitment to the team has been a really big adjustment. It'll be fun to see how we play together and how the line chemistry works. We are all looking forward to that."
One player on the USNTDP team, goaltender Trey Augustine, is committed to play for MSU in the future.
Admission is free for MSU students Saturday and the first 500 patrons will receive a free jersey. There is also a post-game meet and greet with the players.
Saturday is also the first chance for fans to see the newly renovated south entrance, which includes the Ron Mason Hall of History.
Contact Nathaniel Bott at nbott@lsj.com and follow him on Twitter @Nathaniel_Bott
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan State hockey names captains ahead of exhibition with USNTDP
