College Hockey Insider by Mike McMahon

College Hockey Insider by Mike McMahon

Weekend Preview: Penn State hosts Michigan State at Beaver Stadium

Plus: A huge matchup at the top of the CCHA, BC vs. BU, and Denver faces Minnesota Duluth

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Mike McMahon
Jan 30, 2026
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From a primetime outdoor showdown in Happy Valley to a critical NCHC series in Denver and the Battle of Commonwealth Avenue, we’ll preview some of the biggest games in college hockey this weekend.

Michigan State and Penn State meet twice including an outdoor game at Beaver Stadium. Denver looks to stabilize against a Minnesota Duluth team searching for a bounce-back weekend. In the CCHA, Michigan Tech and St. Thomas collide in a battle of league heavyweights, and in Boston, the first Battle of Comm Ave carries real urgency for a BU team running out of time.

Also in today’s newsletter (#635)

  • Lake Superior has started a new fundraising campaign looking to bring in $1.5 million to the program.

  • In recruiting news, UMass landed the top goal scorer in the QMJHL.

  • Some weekend notes from College Hockey Inc.


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Now, let’s get into today’s newsletter.


Games of the Week

(2) Michigan State at (4) Penn State

The biggest matchup of the weekend will be played on the biggest stage of the weekend when the Spartans and Nittany Lions square off at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. First, however, the teams will meet indoors at Pegula Arena on Friday night.

Both teams have been red hot in the second half of the season. Penn State has won seven straight games, and Gavin McKenna has exploded since returning from the World Juniors, posting 11 points in his last five games.

“The points are the same,” Gadowsky said. “We’re worried about Friday night first, then we’ll refocus and get ready for Saturday.”

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