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Michigan State hockey opens season with 5-1 loss at Minnesota

Tanner Sorenson had the lone goal for the Spartans in the loss.

By Pardeep Toor
Dave Reginek - Getty Images

The Michigan State Spartans hockey team opened the season with a 5-1 road loss to Minnesota on Friday despite Will Yanakeff's 37 saves.

The Golden Gophers scored three first-period goals, which proved to be an insurmountable lead. Minnesota extended their lead to 4-0 after two periods and were up 5-0 late in the third period before Michigan State's Toren Sorenson received a pass from David Bondra and beat goalie Michael Shibrowski on the blocker side to prevent the shutout at the 15:59 mark.

Shibrowski made 25-of-26 saves while Michigan State junior goalie Yanakeff, halted 37 of 42 shots he faced in the game.

Michigan State entered the game ranked 16th nationally by the NCAA. Minnesota was ranked second behind Boston College and had received 12 first place votes.

The Spartans will have a chance to avenge Friday's loss as they face off of against the Golden Gophers again tonight in Minneapolis, Minn.