Toledo, Ohio – In a stunning turn of events, the No. 1 seed Michigan State Spartans saw their NCAA Tournament dreams crushed by the No. 4 seed Cornell Big Red, who triumphed with a dramatic 4-3 victory in the Toledo Regional Semifinal on March 27, 2025. This loss marks a disappointing end to a season that featured two championships and a top-five ranking throughout.
The game unfolded at the Huntington Center, where Michigan State, heavily favored, took an early lead. Junior forward Joey Larson initiated the scoring, capitalizing on a defensive error by Cornell. Larson intercepted a loose puck and swiftly passed it to sophomore Gavin O’Connell, who fired a pinpoint shot into the top corner, putting the Spartans ahead 1-0 with 12:40 left in the first period.
However, the Big Red responded just over eight minutes later. Cornell’s leading scorer, Ryan Walsh, won a critical puck battle in the slot, unleashing a shot that beat MSU goaltender Trey Augustine to level the game at 1-1 with 4:58 remaining in the first period.
Michigan State regained the lead late in the first period when junior forward Charlie Stramel delivered a no-look pass to junior Daniel Russell, who scored on the power play with just 29 seconds left, making it 2-1 as the first period concluded.
The second period saw both teams trading chances, but it was Cornell who drew even again with 3:30 left in the frame. Charlie Major unleashed a powerful one-timer that found its way past Augustine, tying the game at 2-2. The Spartans, however, responded quickly. Just 17 seconds later, Karsen Dorwart wrapped the puck around the net and scored, putting MSU back in front 3-2.
Heading into the third period, Michigan State appeared in control, leading in shots on goal 30 to 9. But the momentum shifted dramatically as Cornell came out with renewed energy. The Big Red dominated the early minutes, putting pressure on Augustine and forcing him to make several key saves.
With just under eight minutes remaining, Walsh struck again, scoring his second goal of the night off a rebound to tie the game at 3-3. The tension in the arena was palpable as both teams fought for control.
As the clock wound down, a critical moment arose when Michigan State’s Matt Basgall was called for tripping with just 1:39 left in regulation, giving Cornell a power play opportunity. The Big Red capitalized on this chance in the most dramatic fashion. With only 10 seconds remaining, Walsh found Sullivan Mack on the backdoor with a slick pass, and Mack slammed home the game-winning goal, sending shockwaves through the arena and ending MSU’s season.
Despite the heartbreak, the Spartans finished the season with an impressive 26-7-4 record, having secured the Big Ten regular season title and the Big Ten tournament championship. Their journey this season showcased their resilience and skill, but the sting of this loss will linger.
Cornell, on the other hand, advances to the Toledo Regional Final, where they will face Boston University, who defeated Ohio State 8-3 earlier in the day. The Big Red, riding high after winning the ECAC championship, will look to continue their momentum as they aim for a place in the Frozen Four.
As for Michigan State, the offseason will bring questions and reflections on what could have been, but the foundation of a strong team remains. With standout players like Isaac Howard, a top-10 Hobey Baker finalist and Big Ten Player of the Year, and Trey Augustine, a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, the Spartans will be looking to bounce back next season.
In the end, this NCAA Tournament opener served as a reminder of the unpredictability of college hockey, where any team can rise to the occasion and deliver a shocking upset. The Spartans will have to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
