Spartans’ Lewandowski, Khodorenko and Hirose named to Big Ten preseason watch list

By @MichaelCaples –

The Spartans’ top line from 2017-18 is returning for another season, and the Big Ten expects them to continue filling up the scoresheet.

Mitch Lewandowski, Patrick Khodorenko and Taro Hirose make up Michigan State’s selections for the Big Ten preseason watch list, the conference announced today.

Lewandowski, a Clarkston native, was named the Big Ten freshman of the year in 2017-18 after posting 19 goals and 15 assists for 34 points in 35 games.

Khodorenko, who moved from California to Michigan to play for Honeybaked and eventually USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, recorded 32 points in 36 games as a sophomore last season.

Hirose, an upcoming junior for MSU like Khodorenko, led the Spartans with 42 points in 36 contests last season.

The trio, dubbed the KHL line, combined for an impressive 108 points in 2017-18.