Only 14 months removed from a national title, there’s no doubt the Michigan State Spartans hockey team is ready for another. MSU has always been a top college hockey contender, but this year they’ll have to do some retooling to maintain form.

The Spartans made the NCAA tournament last year, after being upset by Northern Michigan in the second round of the CCHA tournament. The Green and White defeated Colorado College in the first round of the NCAA’s before bowing to Notre Dame in round two.

In the offseason the Spartans lost eight players to graduation or early departure. Forward Justin Abdelkader signed with the Detroit Red Wings in April, and defenseman Michael Ratchuk signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. Forward Tim Kennedy became the third early departure after signing with the Buffalo Sabres.

But as in the aftermath of the championship and the departure of the seniors, the Spartans have experience that should keep them in the running in the CCHA and put them in good position to make a run in the NCAA Tournament.

A look at the team by position:

Goaltending

Any success next season starts with Jeff Lerg, who was named captain in the offseason.

For two years, Lerg has solidified himself as one of the best goaltenders in MSU history with countless game-saving stops. At 5-foot-6 and just over 150 pounds, he is small, but his ability more than makes up for that. The Spartans haven’t had to worry all that much with Lerg between the pipes. He always gives them a chance to win.

He’s an obvious choice for captain. In his playoff career, he’s been virtually unbeatable. He has started all but one game for MSU in the past two years. He already had a national championship under his belt after his first full year as the starting goalie.

Lerg was a Hobey Baker finalist this year, and barring any major troubles, he’ll surely be one again. He’ll need to put up staggering numbers though to have a shot at winning. Since the award’s inception in 1981, a goaltender has only won it twice. Goalies are often finalists, but the high-scoring forwards and defensemen are the usual winners.

Lerg can look to the Spartans past for inspiration in his quest.

Spartan legend Ryan Miller won the Hobey Baker Award in 2001 after posting a 1.32 goals against average with 10 shutouts and a .950 save percentage. If Lerg can put up really good numbers, he’s got a shot.

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