The 2025 Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion this Saturday, March 22, as the top-ranked Michigan State Spartans host the Ohio State Buckeyes for the championship title at Munn Ice Arena in East Lansing. The match, set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network, drawing excitement from fans eagerly anticipating this pivotal showdown.
Michigan State, the No. 1 seed in the tournament and co-champions of the regular season along with Minnesota, enters the encounter with a formidable record of 25 wins, 6 losses, and 4 ties. The Spartans are defending their title from the previous year and will look to showcase their strength on home ice after a commanding semifinal victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where they secured a win with a scoreline of 1-0.
Leading the charge for Michigan State is Isaac Howard, who has been a standout player this season. As the Big Ten Player of the Year, Howard boasts an impressive 47 points this season comprised of 24 goals and 23 assists. Additionally, he is among the select few nominated for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, recognizing the best players in NCAA men's ice hockey. In goal, Trey Augustine, named the conference's Goaltender of the Year, delivered a stellar performance in the semifinals, earning a shutout with 18 saves.
In contrast, the Ohio State Buckeyes, seeded third and ranked No. 9 nationally, enter the title match with a record of 24-12-2 and a fierce determination to claim their first Big Ten Tournament championship. The Buckeyes had a rollercoaster journey through the tournament, initially stumbling with a 4-1 loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. However, they rebounded dramatically, winning the next two games, including a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Wisconsin to secure their place in the semifinals. Ohio State continued their momentum, edging out Penn State with another overtime win, this time with a final score of 4-3.
The rivalry between the two teams adds an extra layer of intensity to the matchup. This season, Michigan State has enjoyed success against the Buckeyes, winning three out of four encounters, including a decisive 4-1 win earlier in January during a game at Munn Ice Arena. As both teams prepare to face off for the championship title, there’s a palpable tension in the air—a battle not just for conference supremacy, but also for momentum going into the upcoming NCAA Division I men's ice hockey tournament.
“It’s a prestigious title that we’re all vying for, and it reflects our hard work throughout the season,” said Howard, voicing the sentiments shared by his teammates. Additionally, fans and players alike recognize that the outcome could have ramifications beyond the conference title, significantly impacting their seeding in the forthcoming NCAA tournament. With an automatic berth on the line and both teams likely to qualify regardless of the result, this championship game holds profound significance in shaping their trajectories in the national arena.
Fans eager to watch the matchup can find it broadcast on BTN and streaming options available through platforms like FuboTV, which offers a free trial, allowing subscribers to join in on the action without upfront commitments. Other streaming services may provide access, but Fubo is highlighted for its promotional offerings.
In the larger context, the game will precede the NCAA men’s hockey selection show occurring the following day, Sunday, March 23, at 3 p.m. ET, which will unveil the coveted tournament brackets. All eyes will be on the outcome of this championship as not only a prize in its own right but also as a decisive moment preparing teams for their next challenge.
As spectators gather and the anticipation builds, the Big Ten hockey championship game between Michigan State and Ohio State promises to deliver high-energy action, skillful plays, and unforgettable moments that define collegiate hockey. Both teams are prepared to leave everything on the ice, with the hope of holding the championship trophy high after the final buzzer. With all eyes on Munn Ice Arena on Saturday evening, the stakes couldn't be higher.
