Spartans’ Mason Reaches 800 Wins

Michigan State head coach Ron Mason, already the winningest coach in the history of the sport, earned the 800th victory of his career Friday night as the Spartans defeated archrival Michigan, 5-1.

Hundreds of enthusiastic fans stormed the ice to honor Mason after the game.

“I’ve never had that happen,” Mason said of the fans’ accord. “It was really touching and I didn’t expect it.”

Mason, in his 32nd year as a head coach, has a career record of 800-347-63, including 511-237-49 in 18-plus seasons at the Spartan helm.

Friday’s win pulled Michigan State within one point of first-place Michigan in the CCHA standings. The two teams meet again Saturday night at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.