Michigan State hockey announces captains for 2024-25 season

Michigan State hockey announced its four captains ahead of the 2024-25 season. Which Spartans will lead the team?

Yes, I know Michigan State football kicks off on Friday so much of the news and fanfare is surrounding that. Rightfully so. I, for one, am ecstatic for football to be back. But if you are like me, you also are getting excited for the long awaited return of Michigan State hockey. It’s no big breaking news story that hockey is my sport of choice, so any news or updates regarding it are greatly appreciated this time of year.

On Tuesday, the MSU hockey social admin granted my wishes and formerly announced the names of the four captains that will be leading the 2024-25 team. An announcement that not only has me more excited for MSU hockey, but also the future of the Red Wings potentially as well.

Allow us to introduce the 2024-25 Spartan hockey captains! pic.twitter.com/jDRztUW5Yj

— Michigan State Hockey (@MSU_Hockey) August 27, 2024

As you can see above, the four captains for the season will be Red Savage, Matt Basgall, Karsen Dorwart, and Tiernan Shoudy. Red Wings prospect Red Savage will be wearing the captain’s C while Shoudy, Dorwart, and Basgall will be alternate captains. Savage is the only senior in the leadership group. The other three are embarking on their junior campaigns this year for the Spartans.

Meet the players

Captain Savage was drafted by the Red Wings in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He started his college hockey career at the University of Miami (OH) before transferring to Michigan State for his junior year. Savage played in all 38 games for MSU last season and he totaled 27 points and was +9 in plus/minus in those games. He is an excellent choice as captain for the Spartans.

Shoudy is entering his junior season for the Spartans. The Marysville, Mich., native scored 16 points and was the best face-off taker for the Spartans last season. His .537 face-off percentage was among the leaders in college hockey last season. He was +3 overall last season in plus/minus and is really solid defensively as well. He should be a welcome addition for the leadership group.

Dowart is a familiar name for Spartan fans as well. The junior from Sherwood, Ore., was an alternate captain last season. He was selected to the Academic All-Big Ten team as well as an All-Big Ten honorable mention pick. Last season, he notched a career best in goals and assists, giving him 34 points overall. He was also second in the Big Ten and 11th in the country in shorthanded goals.

Last, but certainly not least, we have junior Matt Basgall. The defenseman was the least penalized player for the Spartans last year notching only one minor penalty. He lead the team in blocked shots as well. He is one of the defensive players that can really eat up minutes for a team and he will do so this year for sure. Expect to see him on the ice a lot. Not only is Basgall stellar on the ice, he was an Academic All-Big Ten selection last year and was also named to the AHCA All-American Scholar team. He will be a great leader for Adam Nightingale and the guys.

Congratulations again to the four players selected for the leadership group. As the summer winds down, fall camp will be taking place soon for the Spartans. Their schedule release is expected to take place very soon as well so keep it here with Spartan Shadows for all the MSU hockey related news you need. Go Green, all.