Palmisano posts shutout on MSU Senior Night

Drew Palmisano stopped 27 shots to earn his sixth career shutout for the Spartans Saturday night in East Lansing. (Michael Caples/Michigan Hockey)

EAST LANSING – Drew Palmisano said that when he looks back at all of his memories of Munn Ice Arena, this one will be 1A.

(1B is beating the University of Michigan, for those unfamiliar with hockey in these parts.)

Palmisano posted a 27-save shutout on Senior Night in East Lansing during Hockey Day in Michigan, helping his Spartans post a crucial win to stay in fourth place in the CCHA standings.

“I was a little nervous coming into it, especially with all the pre-game festivities that were going to happen,” Palmisano said. “I think sometimes that can mess with a goalie’s routine, but I got into the game early, I kind of fed off the crowd a little bit and everybody played really well in front of me so it made my job easier.”

Dean Chelios, Tanner Sorenson, and Lee Reimer all scored for Michigan State, while captain Torey Krug continues to make a push for All-American honors with a pair of assists.

Palmisano has been in a battle for starting time with sophomore Will Yanakeff all season, and the senior had not played in five games. Yet the Spartans had full confidence in the veteran netminder.

“Drew Palmisano is one of the hardest-working guys on our team,” said assistant captain Anthony Hayes. “He’s led by example since the day he stepped on campus. I mean, I can’t speak enough about the kid. Regardless of not playing in five games, he came to the rink every day giving it 100 percent 100 percent of the time.

“None of us in that locker room are surprised by his performance at all. We’ve come to expect that out of Drew, and it’s just a cherry on top that he could do it on Senior Night. He deserves it, and we’re all extremely happy for him.”

Palmisano, one of nine Spartan seniors honored in a pre-game ceremony, said the night was a unique experience, but well worth it.

“It was something different, definitely,” Palmisano said. “I had never done anything like that before, but, it’s something we’ll look back on, all nine of us, and it will be a really special moment for all of us.”