MSU to honor Ron Mason with ‘RM’ initials painted on ice, worn on Spartan helmets

By @MichaelCaples –

The Michigan State Spartans announced today some special ways they will be remembering former head coach Ron Mason.

For the 2016-17 season, MSU will paint ‘RM’ initials behind both goals at Munn Ice Arena, while the Spartans will wear stickers with the same initials on their helmets.

The initials will be painted on the ice prior to the Spartans’ home opener against Denver on Oct. 21.

“Ron made an enormous impact on the entire campus and community from the moment he arrived at Michigan State in 1979,” said MSU athletic director Mark Hollis in a release. “Not only was his influence tremendous at MSU, but it also extended to the game of hockey as a whole. We are honored to remember Ron over the upcoming season, knowing he impacted so many people in a positive way.”

Mason, the second-winningest coach in college hockey history, passed away on June 13. He was 76.

He spent 36 years as a head coach in college hockey, finishing with a record of 924-380-83. Twenty-three of those years were spent at Michigan State, where he led MSU to 17 CCHA regular season and playoff titles.