By @MichaelCaples –
Last year, Michigan State was fighting for first place in the Big Ten in the final week of the season.
With the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year returning between the pipes, the Spartans expect to be in the mix once again for 2015-16.
Jake Hildebrand comes back for his senior season in East Lansing, looking to build on his .930 save percentage and 2.12 goals-against average from last year.
“It’s the most important position on the team probably, and without a doubt, it’s nice to have that experience,” MSU coach Tom Anastos said when asked about his goaltender. “I think that translates to a confidence level amongst his teammates and our team to have that experience in net. I think that’s a real positive. That’s something that I think will be obviously important for us as we start the season.
“I think Jake has focused most on doing what he normally does, and I think what matters most to him isn’t national recognition from an individual standpoint, I really think he’s focused on helping the team take that next step, and the best recognition in his mind is team success.”
Hildebrand said during the team’s media day on Sept. 30 that the team’s success far outweighs his own. He’s also happy serving as a leader for his club.
“I take that into every season, that I want to be a winner,” Hildebrand said. “Individual statistics don’t mean much when the win column is lacking. I think every year I want to be a winner but I think this season has the most potential for that.”
While the goaltending situation at Munn Ice Arena is solidified, question marks surround the offense. Michigan State finished No. 46 out of 59 NCAA teams with 83 goals last year, and scoring leader Matt Berry (Canton) graduated at the conclusion of the season.
“I think our team will be a team that will have to create offense and score by committee,” Anastos said. “Mackenzie MacEachern continues to raise his level. I’m really impressed with him coming off the summer time, he’s been really impressive early. I think guys like (Mike) Ferrantino, (Ryan) Keller really finished strong last year. I think Joe Cox, I think we can get more out of Thomas Ebbing offensively.
“I think maybe more importantly we get more offensive productivity from our defense. I don’t necessarily mean in direct points, but at least helping create offensive opportunities, whether it’s in our puck movement or our forechecking or our zone entries or whatever it may be.”
Anastos has also been pleased with what he has seen out of his freshman class – forwards Mason Appleton, Cody Milan and Brennan Sanford and defensemen Zach Osburn and Jerad Rosburg – so far.
“Very much. Came to campus in phenomenal shape, they have very good chemistry amongst their group, and they’ve integrated into our team very well to date. It’s a group like any – each step of the way, you want to see growth, and the next step for them is starting the season and seeing how they compete when we actually play.”
The MSU bench boss said the key to a successful season is for the Spartans to have a fast start as they embark on a difficult nonconference schedule early in the 2015-16 season.
“It’s important for us to be as ready as you can be in the very beginning of the season to give us the best chance to have some success,” Anastos said. “That will help feed your confidence level. We’re best when we play together, and that’s what really happened last year.”