[Hey, a hockey recap. Bumped. Winning things is cool. -KJ]

MSU wins the Great Lakes Invitational

Defense put their stamp on this game showing that when they were aggressive good things happened.  Whenever they were able to cause a turnover good things happened.  The 3rd and 4th goals by MSU to help put this game away were both direct results of the MSU D causing TO's and being quick on counter attacks. In MSU's zone they were able to limit what RPI did and made sure that they didn't give up too many slot rebounds and 2nd chance attempts.

On the offensive side of things MSU got the puck deep and was able to keep attacking all night. It seemed when RPI would start to build some momentum a new player was able to step up for MSU. 6 different Spartans scored for MSU so it really was a team effort. All 4 lines for MSU were able to to put a puck in the net when they were on the ice.

In between the pipes Drew Palmisano did everything you want from your goaile. He kept all the easy ones out and stopped some of the hard ones. RPI's only goal came from a nice play where they got a great shot from the slot and his D had left him one on one.

Key Stats

• MSU out shot RPI 31-20
• MSU was 1-3 on the power play while shutting RPI down and killing all 4 of their power plays
• Every MSU player was either a plus or even in +/-
• 11 players tallied a point for MSU

All-Tournament Team

F - Chase Polachek, RPI
F - Dustin Gazley, MSU
F - Brett Perlini, MSU
D - Jeff Petry, MSU
D - Chris Summers, UM
G - Drew Palmisano, MSU

Four Spartans made the All Tournament Team proving that in a 3 game tournament the team that wins two of those games is very likely to have most of the ATT. 

Brett Perlini was the MVP of the tournament having a coming out party of sorts. He tallied 3 goals and 2 assists in the 2 games leading the way for MSU.

All in all this was a great way for Michigan State to end 2009 and a fantastic way to head into 2010. MSU now has 12 GLI titles and has won 7 of the last 12. MSU also now leads College hockey in wins heading into 2010. Now MSU heads into the meat of their seasons. 14 games left and 14 vs the CCHA. Lets hope this propels MSU to a CCHA title and a berth into the Tourney (Frozen Four is at Ford Field this year :P).

(Photo credit: Detroit News)