Big Ten Media Day: Spartans need to increase scoring totals in 2014-15

By Alyssa Girardi –

DETROIT — With the 2014-15 season on the horizon, the focus for MSU hockey remains the same as it was a year ago: finding a way to put the puck in the net.

Tom Anastos addressed the media Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena during the annual Big Ten Media Day, admitting scoring will once again be a question mark for the rebuilding program. MSU finished last season tied for last in the league in goals for with 42. In-state rival Michigan’s 68 goals led the Big Ten.

“We have not been able to score much the last couple years, and really since Torey Krug left after my first year, he was really the catalyst to our offense, so we need guys to emerge,” Anastos said.

Though the team is still on the young side — there are only four senior skaters on the roster — there are heightened expectations for the sophomore and junior classes that experienced the bulk of playing time last season. They also take up the majority of the roster; 18 of the 27 players are juniors or seniors.

“We do have some experience, which I think is a good thing to build off of,” Anastos said. “We’re very anxious to get going, and we think that we can kind of see the corner, and now it’s a challenge for us to try to turn it.”

Anastos spoke to the emergence of recently-named junior captain Michael Ferrantino (Plymouth) and the reliance goalie Jake Hildebrand has demonstrated, both of whom joined him at media day.

Hildebrand, a junior, carried the bulk of the load for the Spartans over the past two years, earning his keep as a top netminder among a league of exceptional goaltending. Ferrantino had a breakout sophomore year, starring in all 36 games and tying for third on the team in goals (9).

“Both of those players will play leadership roles on our team and be key players for us, and I think their game continues to get better,” Anastos said.

MSU will take the ice for its annual intrasquad Green and White game at 5 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Munn Ice Arena before Windsor travels to East Lansing for an exhibition match at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5.

The season kicks off for the Spartans at home at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17 in a Big East/Big Ten clash with Massachusetts.

Notes: Hildebrand and senior forward Matt Berry were both named to the Big Ten Preseason Players to Watch list. MSU came in at fifth in the Big Ten Preseason Poll behind Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State and ahead of Penn State.