Michigan hockey standout earns Big Ten 1st Star of the Week

Over the weekend, the then-5th-ranked Michigan hockey team swept the then-15th-ranked Michigan State Spartans, 2-0, and officially took the season series, 3-1. After a massive weekend, a key Wolverine was awarded Big Ten’s first star of the week.

Since Michigan’s sweep, the Wolverines are up to No. 4 nationally, while the Spartans are down to No. 17 in the most recent polls.

Hughes earns Big Ten 1st star of the week

Luke Hughes, a sophomore defenseman and 4th overall pick by the New Jersey Devils, had a massive four-point weekend, which helped the Michigan hockey team overcome the No. 15 Michigan State Spartans on Friday and Saturday nights. The wins gave the Wolverines a 9-1 advantage over the past ten matchups with Michigan State and brought home a sixth-straight Dual in the D Trophy.

Additionally, the wins improved the Wolverines’ Big Ten record to 12-8-0 on the season — good enough for sole possession of 2nd place in the conference standings as we enter the final two weeks of the 2022-23 regular season.

Solid weekend builds momentum heading into final games

Hughes, one of Michigan’s young stars, had himself an incredible weekend as he led Michigan to its 7th-straight victory. Luke Hughes totaled four points over the two games — three assists and one crucial goal. On Friday night, Hughes compiled two assists during the Wolverines’ 4-2 victory in East Lansing. On Saturday night, Hughes notched an early assist before burying a game-winning overtime goal with 0.6 seconds remaining.

It was an incredible weekend for Michigan hockey, one that was much-needed after a rough start to Big Ten play earlier this season. The Wolverines will now turn their attention to the 10th-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, who they will face in a two-game series this weekend before closing out the season at home against Notre Dame.

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