Tickets are now on sale starting at $25 for the return of college hockey to Little Caesars Arena with the annual “Duel in the D,” presented by Meijer, set for Saturday, February 11 at 8 p.m.
The fans of Hockeytown will be treated to one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in college hockey, as the Michigan Wolverines and Michigan State Spartans men’s ice hockey teams will add another chapter in their storied rivalry and clash for the “Iron D” Trophy.
The “Duel in the D” matchup features the most-played rivalry in college hockey. The game will mark the 342nd all-time meeting between the historic programs, with Michigan currently holding a 177-138-24 edge in the all-time series.
Michigan, currently ranked No. 3 in the nation by the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, has claimed the “Iron D” Trophy in each of the last five matchups at Little Caesars Arena. The two teams will square off three times this season (Dec. 9 at MSU; Dec. 10 at UM; Feb. 10 at MSU) before their final regular season matchup in the “Duel in the D.”
Both Michigan and Michigan State feature new head coaches this season – as Adam Nightingale is at the helm of the Spartans and Brandon Naurato is serving as interim head coach of the Wolverines.
“We are really looking forward to returning to Little Caesars Arena,” Naurato said. “It’s an unparalleled experience for our players and for the fans to have this rivalry, Michigan vs. Michigan State, showcased on the big stage. The Detroit Red Wings and Little Caesars Arena staff are incredible, the fans are always passionate and we can’t wait for this next edition of the rivalry.”
“Bringing a Michigan State-Michigan game to Detroit is one of the great traditions of this rivalry,” Nightingale said. “It’s a privilege to be able to play in front of our fans in southeast Michigan and playing in an NHL building creates lasting memories for our players, alumni, and fans of all ages, too. I have had the good fortune to experience this rivalry on both as a player and member of the staff, and I am looking forward to bringing our team down to Detroit to add another chapter to this rivalry in February. We are also incredibly grateful to Ilitch Sports + Entertainment for providing us this stage.”
