Michigan hockey coach takes shot at MSU after tensions rise on the ice

Last night, the 5th-ranked Michigan hockey team (19-9-1, 11-8-0 Big Ten) took down the 15th-ranked Michigan State Spartans (15-14-2, 9-10-2 Big Ten) at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing, MI. The contest was heated, but the Wolverines managed to escape with a 4-2 victory in game three of the series; the two will face off again tonight in Detroit for the annual ‘Dual in the D’ event.

As anyone could have predicted, tensions were high throughout the game, and there were frequent scrums and scraps. Still, after Michigan hockey netted a game-sealing fourth goal, there was a massive on-ice brawl as the game’s final seconds ticked away.

Michigan hockey coach Brandon Naurato takes shot at MSU

Tensions in the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry are already high — across all sports — and after the game, Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato raised the stakes even more. Here is what he had to say about the Spartans after the win:

“It’s extremely rewarding,” Naurato said. “The game changes when… we have the puck the whole game, and we’re chasing the whole game, because we’re in the [penalty] box.” Naurato continued, “And — how do you want me to word it? — like, they can’t play with us, they can’t play with us unless they goon it up, so, we got the bad end of the deal there.”

Michigan hockey coach Brandon Naurato on Michigan State

“They can’t play with us. They can’t play with us unless they goon it up.”

— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) February 11, 2023

Wolverines, Spartans set to meet again

Tonight will be the fourth and final meeting between Michigan hockey and Michigan State this season. Right now, the Wolverines lead the season series 2-1; puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 PM (EST).

After Naurato’s comments, expect tensions on the ice to be higher (if that’s even possible) than they were on Friday night as the two go at it for the final time this season.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other steaming platforms.