Earlier this week, the University of Michigan and Michigan Sgtate University extended a deal to continue playing games against each other at Joe Louis Arena for three more seasons. The pact ensures the rivalry game at the home of the Detroit Red Wings will continue until the 2013-2014 season.
The Wolverines and Spartans have met in Detroit at least once per season since 1990. During the series at The Joe, Michigan has held a slight series edge with 10 wins compared to Michigan State’s nine. Four games have ended in a tie. University of Michigan AD David Brandon can add this to the list of deals he has struck in his short time in Ann Arbor. “Im excited that we have extended our relationship with Olympia Entertainment, ensuring our fans that Michigan vs. Michigan State hockey games will be played at Joe Louis Arena for many years to come,” he said.
Despite a sub-par season in 2010-11 by the Spartans under former coach Rick Comley, they posted a 2-1 victory in front of over 18,000 fans January 29, 2011. The two teams will meet this season Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to this single game, the College Hockey in the D series at Joe Louis Arena this season consist of staple events like the Great Lakes Invitational and the CCHA Championship. The 2011 edition of the Great Lakes Invitational, set to be staged at Joe Louis Arena on December 29 and 30 of this year. Boston College and Michigan Tech will join Michigan State and Michigan for the right to hoist the MacInnes Trophy later this year.
The Mason Cup will be awarded to the CCHA tournament champion. And the champion will be awarded Saturday, March 12, 2012 after the semifinals the day before. This season, the Wolverines carry a 7-3-2 overall and 3-3-2-1 CCHA records heading into this weekends home series with Ohio State. The Spartans are only three points behind in conference with a 3-3-0-0 record. Their overall record is 6-4 as they travel to Marquette, Mich. to take on Northern Michigan.
“Our rivalry with Michigan is the greatest rivalry in our state, and as the most-played rivalry in all of college hockey, it allows us to add a chapter each year in one of the most exciting buildings in the National Hockey League. This partnership also allows us to showcase our programs, and engage our fans in the Detroit area.”- Michigan State Athletic Director Mark Hollis
” It allows us to showcase one of the most exciting rivalries in college hockey in one of the grandest hockey venues in the state of Michigan, and also provides terrific exposure for both of these storied hockey programs.”- University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon
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