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The 50th annual Great Lakes Invitational is almost here; FSU to compete for first time

MiHockey Staff

gli tsp update

By @MichaelCaples –

For the third year in a row, the Great Lakes Invitational features an all-Michigan line-up.

Traditional participants Michigan Tech, the University of Michigan and Michigan State will once again be competing at Joe Louis Arena from Dec. 28-29, and they will welcome Ferris State to the 50th edition of the two-day tournament.

Bulldogs coach Bob Daniels said he’s excited to have the Ferris State program skate in the longstanding holiday tournament.

“With such a large number of players from the state of Michigan who grew up watching and attending the GLI, we have a keen understanding of the history and prestige that this tournament represents,” Daniels said in a press release. “It will be exciting for our players, alums, administration and fans. We all look forward with great anticipation to our inaugural appearance in the GLI. It is also a tremendous opportunity for our program to play in Detroit where we have such great alumni support and at such a historic venue as Joe Louis Arena.”

The four-team tournament features double-headers of Michigan Tech vs. Michigan at 3:30 p.m. and Michigan State vs. Ferris State at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 28. The winners of the two semifinal contests will battle for the GLI title at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29. The third-place game will take place at 3:30 on the same day.

“The GLI is a very special tournament, not only for me, but I think for Michigan Tech and all of our fans in general,” said Michigan Tech head coach Mel Pearson, whose program serves as host school for the event each year. “It gives us an opportunity to showcase our team to a lot of our alumni down in southeast lower Michigan that don’t have a chance to come up to the Upper Peninsula to see us play. It’s one of the, if not the, premier college hockey tournaments in the country. It’s played in a great venue with a lot of history and with very good teams in Michigan, Michigan State and Ferris State this year.”

The University of Michigan leads the field of teams with 15 GLI championships.

“We are excited to return to Joe Louis Arena for the 50th Great Lakes Invitational,” said Michigan head coach Red Berenson. “The GLI has always been one of the highlights of the college hockey season. We’re looking forward to our trip to Detroit for a milestone year in tournament history.”

Meanwhile, Michigan State has won 12 MacInnes Cups at the holiday tournament.

“The GLI is of one of the great traditions in college hockey and it’s something we look forward to as a program each season,” said Michigan State head coach Tom Anastos. “The tournament has provided great memories for both our players and fans over the years and we’re privileged to be a part of it.”