Michigan and Michigan State arrive at the midpoint of the season in much different situations than anybody expected. After being ranked No. 1 in the nation near the start of the season, Michigan has faded and is a dismal 9-8-3, thanks mainly to a seven-game losing streak from Nov. 11 to Dec. 2. Michigan State, on the other hand, is 10-6-2 on the season, thanks in part to a stretch from October to December where the Spartans won eight of 10 games.
The 2011 Great Lakes Invitational serves as the midpoint of the 2011-12 season. Michigan and Michigan State have been off for a couple of weeks, and now they will head to Joe Louis Arena to get back on the ice and get ready for the second half of the season. Michigan is going for its 15th GLI title and fourth in the last five years. Michigan State will try to win its 12th title and first since 2009.
At the GLI, Michigan State will take on Michigan Tech, coached by former Michigan assistant Mel Pearson, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29. Later in the day, at 7:30 p.m., Michigan will play Boston College. The winners of the two games will meet at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, in the championship game of the GLI. The two losers will take part in the consolation game at 4 p.m. A look at the full schedule for the 2011 GLI is below.
Thursday, Dec. 29
4 p.m. - Michigan State vs. Michigan Tech (Red Wings TV)
7:30 p.m. - Michigan vs. Boston College (FOX Sports Detroit)
Friday, Dec. 30
4 p.m. - Third-Place Game
7:30 p.m. - Championship game (FOXSportsDetroit.com)