58th Annual Great Lakes Invitational Hockey Tournament Set

Teams battling it out on the ice during the Great Lakes Invitational tournament in Grand Rapids.

News Summary

The 58th Annual Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) hockey tournament is returning to Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on December 29-30, 2024. Four Michigan colleges, including Michigan State University and Western Michigan University, will compete for the GLI trophy, promising an action-packed showdown. Viewers can catch the games on local television, ensuring no hockey fan misses out on the excitement. With key players and a rich history of competition, this year’s tournament is anticipated to be a thrilling highlight for fans and communities alike.

Hello Grand Rapids! It’s Hockey Time!

The excitement is palpable as sports enthusiasts gear up for the 58th Annual Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) hockey tournament. Mark your calendars! The tournament is set to take place on December 29 and 30, 2024, at the iconic Van Andel Arena in beautiful Grand Rapids, Michigan. With local colleges battling it out on the ice, it’s guaranteed to be a thrilling event for hockey fans of all ages!

Competing Colleges and Broadcast Details

This year, four Michigan colleges will compete for the coveted GLI trophy. The lineup includes the formidable Michigan State University (MSU), Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, and Western Michigan University. It’s going to be an all-Michigan showdown!

For those eager to catch every moment of the action, the tournament will be broadcast on local television, so no one has to miss out on the excitement. You can kick back at home with some snacks and enjoy the games!

Game Schedule

The tournament kicks off on December 29 with a jam-packed schedule:

3:30 p.m.: Michigan Tech vs. Western Michigan (Catch it on MeTV 10.2)
7:00 p.m.: Michigan State vs. Northern Michigan (Also on MeTV 10.2)

Then, on December 30, the competition continues:

3:30 p.m.: Consolation Game (for the losers of the semifinal matches, shown on WILX-TV 10)
7:00 p.m.: Championship Game (featuring the winners of the semifinal matches, shown on WILX-TV 10)

The Road to Glory

Michigan State comes into the tournament with a solid reputation; they are currently ranked first in the USCHO Division I Poll. What’s more, Western Michigan follows closely behind in the sixth spot. But the crowd will remember last year’s GLI, where Michigan Tech pulled off a thrilling victory against MSU in a nail-biting shootout. Can they repeat their success?

This year’s tournament marks a significant milestone as Michigan State celebrates its 50th appearance in the GLI. They’ll face off against Northern Michigan in the opener, a team that has struggled this season, claiming only one win thus far. With the Spartans boasting an offensive output that nearly doubles that of the Wildcats, it seems like they are in a strong position to advance.

Players to Watch

All eyes will be on MSU’s key player, Luca Di Pasquo, who is expected to shine in goal. Having experience in the GLI already, Di Pasquo is ready to take on the challenge and make some big saves to help his team emerge victorious. The anticipation for a potential rematch against Western Michigan for the championship is heating things up, with many fans hoping for a repeat of their NCAA Tournament face-off.

Challenges Ahead

However, it’s not all smooth skating for the Spartans. They have had a tendency to rack up penalties this season, averaging almost five minutes more per game than their Western Michigan counterparts. With these statistics in mind, discipline on the ice will be crucial for a successful tournament run.

Fans should note that while this tournament will showcase an exciting lineup, some powerful teams will be absent due to the lingering impacts of COVID-19. But fear not, there’s still plenty of talent on the ice!

Join the Excitement

Mid-Michigan fans looking to catch all the hockey action can tune in on WILX or grab a BTN+ subscription. Whether you’re cheering in the stands or from your living room, the GLI is a perfect time to gather with friends and family, enjoy some great hockey, and create cherished memories. So, put on your favorite team’s colors and get ready for a thrilling two days of hockey!