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A Conversation with Spartans Hockey Coach Tom Anastos

Lou Anna K. Simon, Tom Anastos, Mark Hollis

“I always talk about my locker room MBA because you learn so many lessons playing sports and especially team sports,” Spartans hockey coach Tom Anastos tells Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon and Spartans Athletic Director Mark Hollis.

Anastos discusses the challenges of the recruiting process where younger and younger players – 15 or 16 - are being recruited, in part due to the competition from the Canadian junior leagues.

“The irony in our sport – as crazy as this is – is the average entry level age of a kid now is over 20 years old, yet we’re recruiting them at younger ages.”

The conversation turns to Big Ten hockey, including the addition of Notre Dame, and the importance of non-conference scheduling to a team’s chances of getting into the NCAA tournament.

Anastos reflects on his special relationship with Ron Mason and Munn Arena.  And he talks about what he sees ahead for his Spartans in 2016/2017.

“I’m really excited about the character and talent and skill level of what we have.  The hockey IQ is very strong across the board, and we have some desperately-needed goal scoring that we haven’t had in a while.”

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