Michigan-MSU hockey to return to Little Caesars for ‘Duel in the D’

DETROIT — The “Iron D” Trophy is making its way back to Hockeytown as the University of Michigan (8-7-3) and Michigan State University (12-4-2) hockey are slated to face off at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at Little Caesars Arena in their annual “Duel in the D” matchup.

Michigan, which was ranked No. 14 at press time according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, has brought home the trophy in the last six meetings between the two teams. Michigan State’s last win in the “Duel in the D” came in 2016.

This year’s “Duel in the D” will be the 346th all-time meeting between the two programs with Michigan holding the advantage 179-139-24. The “Duel in the D” will be the fourth and final matchup between the two teams on the schedule this season, as MSU will host on Jan. 19 and Michigan will host on Jan. 20 and Feb. 9.

While the historic matchups between the programs go back decades upon decades, the “Iron D” Trophy is a relatively new feature of the rivalry. Michigan State, currently ranked No. 7, won the coveted trophy the first year it was up for grabs in 2016, but the Spartans have been unable to retrieve it since.

Despite who might come out on top in the matchup, both coaches said the impact that the game makes for both programs is immeasurable.

“Having an opportunity to play in the greatest rivalry in college hockey in an NHL building is exciting for our program,” Michigan State head coach Adam Nightingale said in a press release. “Michigan State-Michigan brings out the best in both programs, and playing the game in front of 19,000 fans creates an atmosphere that is unmatched. I have great memories of the games we played at Joe Louis Arena when I was a player, and we are appreciative that Little Caesars Arena and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment continues to give us this platform to showcase college hockey in the city of Detroit.”

“There’s nothing quite like the environment at Little Caesars Arena when Michigan and Michigan State play for the ‘Iron D’ trophy,” Michigan head coach Brandon Naurato said in a press release. “It marks not only an important game for the players and the league but for every sports fan in the state. Our program takes great pride in our Michigan roots, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who makes this game possible. We can’t wait to once again provide an unforgettable experience for everyone.”

Tickets are currently on sale at 313Presents.com or Ticketmaster.com starting at $25. For more information, visit 313Presents.com.