The Great Lakes Invitational is a tradition in the state of Michigan. For year, the weekend after Christmas, Michigan & Michigan State occupy Detroit hockey with an annual tournament. Traditionally, smaller schools in Michigan filled the third spot and a school from out of state would be invited to play, but the tournament has since become an all-Michigan affair.

The two-day single elimination tournament takes place at the home of the Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesar’s Arena.

In the 54th edition of the GLI, Michigan State and Michigan are joined by Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State. The semifinal matchups are Michigan State-Lake Superior State and Michigan-Michigan Tech.

Michigan vs. Michigan Tech

The Wolverines are missing two of its best players, Quinn Hughes & Josh Norris, while they compete in the World Junior Championship for the United States. Michigan Tech has achieved consideration as one of the top squads in the Great Lakes State, even reaching a top-20 rank at one point.

Quick prediction: Michigan advances to the championship game.

Michigan State vs. Lake Superior State

Michigan State is well into its second season with head coach & alumni Danton Cole begins the bench. Both teams have had lackluster seasons but Michigan State has the talent to win this game.

Quick prediction: Michigan State wins, faces Michigan in the final.

Tournament Winner

Michigan State. The Spartans have played some of their best hockey against Michigan the last few years. Even former head coach Tom Anastos embraced the rivalry and understood its importance in Michigan as well as the landscape of college hockey. The Spartans beat Michigan in a close game.

Third Place

Michigan Tech is probably the second-best team in the tournament. Matching up with Michigan is a tough bounce for the Huskies. They should beat Lake State & take home third.