Michigan State hockey is set to welcome Columbus native JJ Salajko to its roster for the 2026‑27 season, marking the third fresh face in the goalie market for the program.
Ravensbergen Set to Lead the Defense
Head coach Adam Nightingale has named Joshua Ravensbergen, the 6‑foot‑4 first‑round NHL draft selection, as the starter, citing his 32‑13‑0 record, .919 save percentage and 2.51 goals‑against average from the previous regular season.
Salajko arrives after a junior stint that included splits with the Waterloo Black Hawks and the Watertown Shamrocks, where he posted a 6‑7‑0 record, a .886 save percentage and a 3.78 goals‑against average.
Earlier in the year he appeared in 39 games for the Port Colborne Sailors of the GOJHL, compiling a 23‑12‑3 record with a 2.47 goals‑against average and a .914 save percentage, numbers that have caught the attention of the Spartan staff.
Departures and Roster Shifts
The move comes after Trey Augustine, the previous starter, signed a professional contract with the Detroit Red Wings, and backup Melvin Strahl opted to transfer to the University of Minnesota’s program.
The departure of Dolan Gilbert via the transfer portal leaves the squad with a clear hierarchy headed by Ravensbergen and supported by the new additions, including Salajko and Quentin Sigurdson.
Beyond the statistics, Salajko’s formative years were spent in the Little Caesars AAA program in Detroit, a pathway that has produced several notable netminders and adds depth to the crease.
With the new pieces in place, the Spartans hope to maintain a competitive edge between the pipes, leveraging experience and fresh talent as they aim for a strong showing in the upcoming season.