V-Cast: Jim Comparoni & Neil Koepke talk Michigan State hockey after 5-2 victory over Notre Dame
East Lansing, Mich. – SpartanMag publisher Jim Comparoni is joined by legendary Michigan State hockey writer Neil Koepke to discuss the Spartans’ 5-2 victory over Notre Dame in the first of a two-game weekend series at Munn Ice Arena.
(Apologies for the distorted audio, as we had the lapel microphones too close to our vocals).
Comparoni introduces Koepke as “one of the great all-time college hockey writers in the history of the sport” as they recap a great night of hockey in East Lansing.
They discuss the atmosphere for a Friday night in December at sold out Munn Ice Arena as the Spartans played up to their No. 7 ranking with a surprising up-and-down style of hockey against the normally defensive-minded Irish.
“It was a great night,” Koepke said. “Michigan State hasn’t had many of these over the past few seasons, but this year it’s not just trending, it’s every weekend. The Spartans have not lost at home all year.
“The atmosphere is just great. The Spartans can score and defend. They come out with a lot of skill and a lot of spirit. Nobody needs to be the hero because the scoring is diverse. The third and fourth lines are contributing.”
Comparoni and Koepke discuss the team’s surprising leader in goal scoring, sophomore Joey Larson a Brighton native and transfer from Northern Michigan University living the dream for the Spartans.
Larson gave Michigan State a 2-1 lead midway through the second period with a rebound off his own heavy shot.
“That was a goal scorer’s type goal,” Koepke said. “You shoot it and the goalie makes a great save, but he keeps right on track, sees the rebound and rifles it top corner.”
Koepke says goalie Trey Augustine is the backbone of the Spartans right now. Augustine had some terrific saves throughout the evening.
Koepke says he expects much less of a free-wheeling game on Saturday night with Notre Dame likely to play up to their usual reputation of being a frustrating, defensive-oriented team.
“I bet you tomorrow the shots are way lower and if the Spartans get 40, that would be good tomorrow night,” Koepke said.
