Michigan State Honors the Legacy of Dan Sturges
Michigan State University is mourning the loss of Dan Sturges, the Director of Hockey Operations. His unexpected passing occurred on a Monday morning, leaving the Spartan community in shock.
Dan Sturges: A Cherished Member of Spartan Hockey
Sturges was a vital part of the Michigan State hockey family. Head coach Adam Nightingale expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Dan Sturges was beloved, and our community is stunned by this devastating news.” Nightingale highlighted Sturges’ dedication to the program and his love for being a Spartan.
Legacy and Impact
The Vice President and Director of Athletics at Michigan State, J Batt, also paid tribute. He remarked on Sturges’ commitment to student-athletes and his ability to build meaningful relationships within the department. “To lose him so suddenly is a shock to all,” Batt noted.
- Sturges returned to Michigan State in 2019 after a successful coaching career at the University of Colorado.
- He was a valued Spartan player from 2005 to 2009, contributing to the 2007 National Championship victory.
- Sturges co-founded the “Shoot for a Cure” community initiative while involved with Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS).
- From 2016 to 2019, he coached Colorado’s ACHA DII team and later assumed the head coach role of the ACHA DI program.
- Under his leadership, the team won the Big Mountain Hockey Conference playoff title in 2018.
Sturges’ family also holds a special connection to Michigan State. He was one of 19 family members to attend the university, including his father, John, and brother, AJ, both of whom were hockey letterwinners.
Support for the Community
In light of this tragedy, Michigan State Athletics is prioritizing mental health resources for the hockey program and athletic department. The community comes together to support the Sturges family during this difficult time.
Dan Sturges’ legacy as a passionate coach and dedicated family man will always be remembered at Michigan State. His contributions to the hockey program and the relationships he built within the Spartan community will not be forgotten.
