Posted on by Alan Ashley
Michigan State Spartans vs USA Development Team November 21 2024 - In Play! magazine
Photo: Alan Ashley - In Play! magazine
23
Nov

Michigan State Spartans vs USA Development Team November 21 2024 Game Recap

The No. 2 ranked Michigan State Spartans faced off against the USA National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in an exhibition match at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. The Spartans showcased their offensive prowess, securing a convincing 6-2 victory over the young USNTDP squad.

Game Summary

Final Score: Michigan State 6, USNTDP 2

First Period

The Spartans came out strong, establishing a 3-1 lead by the end of the first period.

  • Goal (USNTDP): Richard Gallant (Assisted by Jack Murtaugh) – 5:44
  • Goal (MSU): Charlie Stramel (Unassisted) – 8:12
  • Goal (MSU): Isaac Howard (Assisted by Matt Basgall) – 12:37
  • Goal (MSU): Gavin O’Connell (Assisted by Isaac Howard) – 18:55

Second Period

Michigan State extended their lead in the second period, outscoring the USNTDP 2-1.

  • Goal (MSU): Griffin Jurecki (Assisted by Isaac Howard) – 3:29
  • Goal (USNTDP): Jack Murtaugh (Assisted by Richard Gallant) – 7:17
  • Goal (MSU): Patrick Geary (Unassisted) – 15:42

Third Period

The Spartans added one more goal in the final frame to seal the victory.

  • Goal (MSU): Tiernan Shoudy (Assisted by Matt Basgall) – 11:23

Game Statistics

  • Total Shots on Goal: MSU 40, USNTDP 19
  • Power Play: MSU 0/2, USNTDP 0/3
  • Penalties: MSU 3 (6 minutes), USNTDP 2 (4 minutes)

Goaltender Performance

Michigan State:

  • Trey Augustine: 3 saves on 4 shots (1 period played)
  • Luca Di Pasquo: 14 saves on 15 shots (2 periods played)

USNTDP:

  • Patrick Quinlan: 34 saves on 40 shots

Key Players

  • Isaac Howard (MSU): 1 goal, 2 assists
  • Matt Basgall (MSU): 2 assists
  • Richard Gallant (USNTDP): 1 goal, 1 assist
  • Jack Murtaugh (USNTDP): 1 goal, 1 assist

Notes

  • This was the 19th meeting between Michigan State and the USNTDP, and the third time playing in Plymouth.
  • Five current Spartans previously played for the USNTDP: Trey Augustine, Red Savage, Isaac Howard, Charlie Stramel, and Shane Vansaghi.
  • Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale served as the head coach for Team USA from 2020-22.
  • The game was part of the third annual Spartans Full Strength program, honoring those affected by cancer and raising awareness.
  • $5 from each ticket sold was donated to the Matt Dechamps family, supporting Kelly Dechamps in her battle against Stage III inflammatory breast cancer.

The Spartans’ dominant performance in this exhibition match continues to showcase why they are ranked No. 2 in the nation. Their next challenge will be a two-game series against Lindenwood during Thanksgiving weekend before returning to Big Ten play in December.

Photos: Alan Ashley – In Play! magazine

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Alan Ashley

Ashley became interested in photography after taking a class in high school. He was also a sports fan and had a dream of becoming a sports photographer. Every sports photographer’s dream is to be published in Sports Illustrated and he did just that when Sports Illustrated bought three of his photos. Growing up he always watched sports on TV. One of his fondest memories is watching Gordie Howe play on “Hockey Night In Canada” with his grandfather on Saturday nights. There are two games he photographed that are memorable for two different reasons. First one was the game Barry Sanders reached the 2000 yards in a season mark. The emotion of the tragic injury on the field early in the 4th quarter and minutes later Barry hitting the milestone. The other was in 2021 when the local high school he covered played at Ford Field. They were down 28 points early in the 3rd quarter to come back and win the Division 4 Championship on a game ending field goal. Ashley lives near Ann Arbor, Michigan with his wife and son.