“It was one of those goals that really discourages the other team.”

Freshman forward Boo Nieves contributed a goal late in the period for good measure, attempting a pass that deflected off the skate of a Michigan State defenseman.

Rutledge was never tested in the final minutes of the game, allowing the Wolverines’ forecheck to dominate a dejected Spartan squad.

“It’s one thing to sweep, and then I think it’s another thing to sweep State,” DeBlois said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

And when the time came to sing the fight song, the players, rest assured, didn’t need to be reminded about the lyrics.

“We're all happy and rearing to go,” Rutledge said of his first-time experience. “It's a great sight. I did not (need help reading the words). I knew them pretty well."