Seniors have re-established elite legacy

Colorado Springs, Colo. — An impromptu Notre Dame victory celebration was well under way Saturday as Bryan Lerg and Chris Mueller stood in the bowels of World Arena following MSU’s 3-1 loss to Notre Dame.

The duo, two of MSU’s biggest leaders over the last two seasons, stood with blank expressions on their faces trying to reflect on what just happened and their four years at MSU as the Notre Dame fight song echoed in the background.

“I think we could’ve gone on a big-time run here at the end,” Lerg said. “It’s tough how it ended, but I give a lot of credit to my teammates, the coaching staff, everyone. We had a hell of a year.”

Lerg, the team’s captain, and Mueller, an alternate captain, combined for 232 points in 335 games and helped bring two Great Lakes Invitational titles, a CCHA Championship, a national championship and three NCAA Tournament berths to East Lansing in their four years. The Spartans advanced to the regional final in each of the last three seasons.

“They’ve meant so much to this program,” junior forward Justin Abdelkader said of the senior class. “They’ve done so much to set Michigan State at the level it should be. Michigan State is one of the powerhouses now, one of the elite teams in the nation. Without this senior class, I don’t know if it would’ve happened.”

Mueller said the team has become like family to him.

“I’m just thankful I got to be a part of the best program in the country as far as I’m concerned,” Mueller said.

Mueller said he sees similarities between MSU’s national championship squad of a year ago and Notre Dame.

“They’re a great defensive team like we are and they just squeaked into the tournament like we did last year,” Mueller said. “I wish them the best of luck against Michigan. They’re a great team with good coaching.”

Elite to stay?

The Spartans could be in the midst of three straight Frozen Four appearances if not for two tough, heartbreaking losses.

Regardless, the previous three seasons put MSU in the national spotlight once again.

“I’m proud of these kids,” MSU head coach Rick Comley said. “They’ve had three really good years. I tell people that we won a national championship, but I thought we were better the year before. We just fell behind against a really good Maine team and came up short. And here we are a little bit away from getting back to the Frozen Four.”

Now, MSU has built the reputation of being one of the best big-game teams in the country.

“All-in-all, I think 25 wins out of this team and getting to a regional final is pretty darn good,” Comley said. “If you’re playing games like this every year, I’ll take it. You’re gonna win some and lose some.”

The Spartans have racked up 76 wins through the previous three seasons.

Published on Sunday, March 30, 2008