Michigan State Edges Penn State In Epic Outdoor Overtime Clash

History was made under the open sky at Beaver Stadium as the Penn State Nittany Lions and Michigan State Spartans delivered a heart-stopping spectacle in the first-ever men’s hockey outdoor game at the iconic football venue. On January 31, 2026, the two Big Ten powerhouses capped a dramatic weekend series with an overtime thriller, as Michigan State edged Penn State 5-4 in front of a roaring crowd that braved the winter chill for a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Coming into the weekend, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Penn State, riding a seven-game winning streak, had recently held the top spot in the Big Ten standings with 31 points, just ahead of Michigan State and Michigan. But the Spartans, hungry for a statement win and eager to vault into first place, arrived in University Park with fire in their skates. The Friday night opener at Pegula Ice Arena set the tone: Michigan State stormed to a 6-3 victory, snapping Penn State’s streak and leapfrogging the Nittany Lions in the standings. That result set up Saturday’s outdoor clash as not only a spectacle but a pivotal moment in the conference race.

The anticipation for Saturday’s game was palpable. Fans packed Beaver Stadium, transforming the football cathedral into a cathedral of college hockey. Penn State and Michigan State, two programs on the rise, were eager to showcase their talents on a national stage and etch their names into the annals of Big Ten lore. The energy was electric, the temperature brisk, and the stakes sky-high.

The game itself lived up to every ounce of the hype. Michigan State and Penn State traded blows in a contest that saw momentum shift back and forth. Spartans forward Charlie Stramel emerged as the hero, netting the game-winning goal in overtime and sending the Michigan State bench into a frenzy. Photos captured the raw emotion of the moment: Penn State defenseman Jarod Crespo’s look of disbelief after the puck found the net, Stramel’s jubilant celebration with his teammates, and goaltender Trey Augustine—who had been a rock all weekend—raising his arms in triumph.

"It’s a moment I’ll never forget," Stramel said after the game, beaming with pride as he recounted the overtime winner. "To score in a setting like this, with so much on the line, it’s just incredible. The atmosphere was unbelievable, and I’m so proud of our team for battling all the way to the end."

For Penn State, the weekend was a rollercoaster of emotions. Friday’s loss at Pegula Ice Arena marked the end of their impressive seven-game streak. The Nittany Lions had fallen behind early, as Michigan State’s Anthony Romani opened the scoring just over four minutes into the first period. The Spartans capitalized on special teams, with Owen West and Romani adding powerplay goals to build a commanding 3-0 lead after one. Penn State’s freshman sensation Jackson Smith sparked hope with a powerplay marker midway through the second, but Michigan State’s Porter Martone quickly restored the three-goal cushion. The Nittany Lions fought back in the third, with goals from Reese Laubach and Matt DiMarsico narrowing the gap to 4-3. But two late empty-netters by the Spartans, including Romani’s hat trick goal, sealed the 6-3 final.

Despite the setback, Penn State showed resilience in Saturday’s outdoor showdown. The Nittany Lions matched Michigan State blow for blow, with standout performances from Smith, DiMarsico, and goaltender Kevin Reidler, who faced a barrage of shots under the stadium lights. The game featured high drama, including a sequence where Penn State’s defense bent but refused to break, and the offense clawed back from deficits to force overtime.

"We knew we had to respond after last night," said Penn State’s Matt DiMarsico, who extended his career-long point streak to eight games over the weekend and now leads the team with 32 points. "This group has a lot of heart. Playing outdoors in front of our fans was special, and we left everything out there. It stings to come up short, but we’ll use this as fuel for the rest of the season."

Both games were marked by intense physicality and playoff-like atmosphere. Friday’s contest saw a major penalty on Michigan State’s Cayden Lindstrom ignite a scuffle that resulted in ejections and a five-minute powerplay for Penn State. The Nittany Lions converted, with Smith’s goal tying him for the program’s single-season record for defensemen—a feat previously matched only by current assistant coach Vince Pedrie. The teams combined for 36 shots apiece on Friday, with Penn State going 2-for-5 and Michigan State 2-for-6 on the man advantage. The crowd of 6,591 at Pegula Ice Arena was the largest of the season, a testament to the growing excitement around Big Ten hockey.

Saturday’s outdoor game was more than just a contest; it was a celebration of college hockey’s growth and the unique spirit of the sport. The spectacle of players skating under the open sky, the sight of fans bundled up in blue and white or green and white, and the drama of overtime on such a grand stage made for a memory that will linger long after the ice has melted. For Michigan State, the sweep catapulted them to the top of the Big Ten standings with 33 points and an 11-4-0 conference record, while Penn State dropped to 18-7-0 overall and 10-5-0 in league play.

"You dream of moments like this as a player," said Spartans goaltender Trey Augustine, who stopped 33 shots in Friday’s win and was a steady presence throughout the weekend. "To get two wins in this environment, against a great team, it’s huge for our confidence. We’re not done yet, but this is something we’ll always remember."

As the dust settles on an unforgettable weekend, both teams will look to carry the lessons and momentum into the closing stretch of Big Ten play. The rivalry between Michigan State and Penn State just added another epic chapter—one that fans, players, and coaches alike won’t soon forget.