USA/MSU CONNECTION: The NTDP has sent 24 alumni to Michigan State University and 10 have gone on to be drafted into the NHL: David Booth (NTDP 2001-02; Florida Panthers), Lee Falardeau (NTDP 1999-01; New York Rangers), Troy Ferguson (NTDP 1997-99; Carolina Hurricanes), Adam Hall (NTDP 1997-98; Nashville Predators), Andy Hutchinson (NTDP 1997-98; Nashville Predators), John-Michael Liles (NTDP 1997-99; Colorado Avalanche), Jim McKenzie (NTDP 2000-01; Ottawa Senators), Corey Potter (NTDP 2000-02), Michael Ratchuk (NTDP 2004-06; Philadelphia Flyers), and A.J. Thelen (NTDP 2002-03; Minnesota Wild).

Three former NTDP players are on the Spartans' current roster: Drew DeRidder (NTDP 2017-18), Patrick Khodorenko (NTDP 2014-16), and Tommy Miller (NTDP 2015-17).

The Michigan State coaching staff features three former NTDP coaches: Spartans Head Coach Danton Cole, NTDP head coach from 2010-17, Spartans Assistant Coach Chris Luongo, a former NTDP assistant coach from 2015-17, and assistant coach Joe Exter, NTDP assistant coach from 2007-11.

USA/LSSU CONNECTION: Three NTDP alumni have gone on to play at Lake Superior State University, two of which have been drafted into the NHL: Zac MacVoy (NTDP 2003-05), Will Magnuson (NTDP 1997-98; Colorado Avalanche), and Steven Ruggiero (NTDP 2014-15; Anaheim Ducks). Ruggiero is currently a sophomore on the Lakers roster.

Former Lake Superior State hockey coach Jeff Jackson was the first head coach of the NTDP from 1997-00. Jackson coached Lake Superior State for 10 seasons, from 1987-96, with four years as the assistant coach and six years as head coach, before moving on to the NTDP. Jackson was inducted into the Lake Superior State Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.

RECORD-SETTING: NTDP Alumni and Michigan Wolverine Quinn Hughes (NTDP 2015-17) set a University of Michigan record with his 10-game point streak. Hughes previous record set by NTDP alum Jack Johnson in 2006-07, in which Johnson recorded a nine-game point streak.

BIG TEN THREE STARS: Two NTDP alumni were named as first and second stars by Big Ten Hockey: Sean Dhooghe (NTDP 2015-17; University of Wisconsin) earned the first star, and Evan Barratt (NTDP 2015-17; Penn State University) received the  second star. It marks the second time Dhooghe and Barratt have been named to the Big Ten Hockey Three Stars this season.

Dhooghe, who leads the Big Ten in power-play goals (6), scored a pair of game-opening goals for Wisconsin and tallied the game-winner Saturday. He leads the Badgers with nine goals on the season.

Barratt tallied four points (1G, 3A) in a game against Notre Dame and his three assists came in the same period, which helped Barratt earn the program record for most assists in a single period. He continues to lead the nation with 13 goals this season, and 29 points overall.

USHL/NHL TOP PROSPECTS: NTDP alumni Trevor Janicke (NTDP 2016-18; Central Illinois Flying Aces) has been selected for the USHL/NHL Top Prospect game. Janicke is one of 40 USHL players in the even, which will be played Jan. 8, 2019, at the Ice Box in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ninety players from the showcase have gone on to become NHL draft picks.

NCAA SCHEDULE: The U18s’ NCAA schedule will continue after their matchups with Michigan State University (Dec. 15) and Lake Superior State University at home (Dec. 16) with St. Cloud State University (Dec. 27), the University of North Dakota (Dec. 29), College of the Holy Cross at  home (Jan. 1), the University of Minnesota-Duluth (Jan. 5), Adrian College at home (Jan. 8), and will end with the University of Wisconsin on Jan. 12.

2018 UNDER-17 FOUR NATIONS CUP TICKETS ON SALE: The 2018 Under-17 Four Nations Cup will be held at USA Hockey Arena from Dec. 11-15, sponsored by Hines Park Lincoln. Hockey teams from Switzerland, Slovakia, Russia, and the United States will compete for the title.

Team USA is set to face Russia on back-to-back nights Friday and Saturday in the tournament's marquee matchup.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit USAHockeyNTDP.com/4NationsTix or call the USA Hockey Arena box office at 734.453.8400.

TICKET PACKAGES: The NTDP is offering season ticket packages for the 2018-19 season. The packages include the College Six Pack, Flex Pack, and Fan Experience Package. More information is available here or by calling 734.453.8400.

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS AND EVENTS

Sunday, Dec. 16 — vs. Lake Superior State University — Yooper Night & USWNT Appearance

Wednesday, Dec. 19 — vs. Muskegon Lumberjacks — Kids Day Game

Tuesday, Jan. 1 — vs. Holy Cross - Post-Game Skate with the U18s & Trading Card Series Giveaway No. 2

Thursday, Jan. 3 — vs. Tri-City Storm — Thirsty Thursday $1 Beer Night

Friday, Jan. 4 — vs. Tri-City Storm — Superhero Night & $5 Friday