Michigan State University is mourning the loss of Dan Sturges, the Director of Hockey Operations. Sturges passed away unexpectedly on a Monday morning, leaving the community in shock. His dedication to the Michigan State hockey program was profound.
Remembering Dan Sturges’ Legacy
Adam Nightingale, Michigan State’s head hockey coach, expressed deep sorrow over Sturges’ passing. He stated, “Dan Sturges was a beloved member of the Michigan State hockey family.” Nightingale highlighted Sturges’ love for the university and his commitment to enhancing the hockey program.
J Batt, Michigan State University’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, also commented on the loss. “The prayers of the Michigan State athletics family are with the Sturges family,” he said. Batt recognized Sturges’ genuine relationships with student-athletes and staff.
A Spartan Legacy
Dan Sturges was a distinguished Spartan, having played from 2005 to 2009. During this period, he was part of the 2007 National Championship team. He returned to Michigan State in 2019, bringing his passion back to the program he loved.
- Education: Sturges was involved with Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) at MSU.
- Community Initiatives: He co-founded the “Shoot for a Cure” campaign.
- Family Legacy: Sturges was one of 19 family members to attend Michigan State.
Coaching Career
Before rejoining Michigan State, Sturges was a significant figure at the University of Colorado. He coached two ACHA programs there:
- Head Coach: ACHA DII team (2016-2019)
- Promotion: Elevated to head coach of the ACHA DI program in spring 2019.
- Awards: Named Big Mountain Hockey Conference Coach of the Year in 2018.
During his time at Colorado, Sturges also served as an assistant coach at Valor Christian High School alongside former Spartan assistant and Denver head coach George Gwozdecky.
Support for the Sturges Family
The Michigan State community is united in grief, prioritizing support for the hockey program and athletic department during this difficult time. Dan Sturges’ legacy will undoubtedly resonate within the hearts of those he inspired.
