Here We Go
The 76th season of Michigan State hockey begins this weekend when the Spartans visit Lake Superior State. The Spartans are starting their season on the road for the fifth time in the last six seasons. Michigan State is 41-29-5 in season-openers. The Spartans and Lakers last played a season-opening series in Sault Ste. Marie Oct. 14-15, 1988 (L, 5-2; W, 6-1).
Returning for the Spartans
• A total of 14 letterwinners (10 forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender).
• Mason Appleton led the Spartans in assists with 17 in 2015-16 … Appleton’s 22 points ranked fourth on the team and were the most by a rookie since 2009-10 (Derek Grant, 30; Daultan Leveille, 25).