Michigan State University’s men’s hockey program turned heads this weekend as it secured verbal commitments from three of the most coveted prospects in the 2028‑29 recruiting class. The announcements came during a busy weekend of visits and meetings that highlighted the Spartans’ aggressive approach to building a championship‑ready roster.
Leading the haul is Jack Trupiano, a five‑star forward who spent last season with Little Caesars AAA. Ranked No. 11 among American forwards in his cohort, Trupiano tallied 23 goals and 18 assists in just 20 games, showcasing a blend of size, skill and offensive drive that has drawn comparisons to top NHL prospects.
A new era for Michigan State hockey
Andrew Krochalk, a four‑star defenseman and member of the U.S. National Team Development Program, also pledged to the Spartans. Krochalk, who logged six goals and seven assists in 30 games while competing at both U16 and U18 levels for Fox Motors, brings a defensive mindset and poise that should complement the team’s back end.
Mason Martin, a rising goaltender from the Fox Motors 15U AAA program, rounds out the trio. In his most recent season he posted an 8‑2 record, two shutouts and a 1.49 goals‑against average across ten appearances, underscoring his readiness to shoulder the net‑minding responsibilities in East Lansing.
The commitments arrive in the wake of recent successes between the pipes, with former Spartans Trey Augustine and Joshua Ravensbergen having paved the way for elite goaltending development. Martin’s arrival is expected to continue that lineage, giving the program a promising foundation between the boards.
Coaching staff and analysts alike view the class as a clear signal that Michigan State is intent on maintaining a competitive edge in the Big Ten and beyond. With the 2028‑29 season still a few years away, the early verbal pledges suggest the program will remain active on the recruiting front, likely adding more talent before the next recruitment cycle.