Michigan State names Michael Ferrantino 2014-15 captain

Michigan State has named junior-to-be Michael Ferrantino captain for the 2014-15 season.

Ferrantino, a 5'8", 175 lbs forward from Plymouth, Michigan, is the 70th captain in Spartans team history. The honor was given to him Monday by head coach Tom Anastos.

"Michael embodies all of the characteristics that we value in a leader," the MSU head coach said in a statement. "He puts the team and his teammates first, he brings positive energy and a very high compete level to the rink every day, he's committed academically and he is very active in the community. Most importantly, his teammates have great trust and respect for his commitment to our team and to the program."

Anastos' team looks to improve upon an 11-18-7 year that saw Michigan State finish fifth in the Big Ten and miss the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive season.

Ferrantino finished 2013-14 fourth on the Spartans in scoring behind three seniors with 20 points (9G-11A) in 36 games. Playing with Matt Berry and Joe Cox, both of whom return, he found his footing in the second half of the season during conference play. Although he was streaky on the scoresheet, seven of Ferrantino's nine goals came against Big Ten opponents. That includes a four game goal streak in mid-January.

He takes the "C" from outgoing two-time captain Greg Wolfe, who signed with the Reading Royals (ECHL) after completing his senior season.

"It's a tremendous honor," said Ferrantino. "I learned a lot from Greg Wolfe last season and we have a great group of guys with a lot of leadership qualities returning next year. To be named captain by my teammates and coaches is truly an honor and something special."

Michigan State joins Michigan, which named Andrew Copp earlier this month, in being Big Ten teams having captains in place for 2014-15. Minnesota and Penn State are expected to have partial leadership back next season. Ohio State, whose captain Curtis Gedig graduated and signed an ATO with Albany (AHL), and Wisconsin, whose entire leadership core graduated or left early, have yet to publicly decide.