Michigan State University is mourning the untimely passing of Dan Sturges, the Director of Hockey Operations, who died unexpectedly on Monday morning. His loss has left a profound impact on the university and the hockey community.
Adam Nightingale, the head hockey coach at Michigan State, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Dan Sturges was a beloved member of the Michigan State hockey family, and our entire community is stunned at this devastating news. He was an adoring father and a devoted husband, and our hearts break for his wife Becky and their sons. Dan loved being a Spartan and worked every day to make the program the best it could be. His passion, dedication, and impact will leave a lasting legacy.”
J Batt, Vice President and Director of Athletics, also shared his condolences, highlighting Sturges’ commitment to the student-athletes and the relationships he built within the department. “The prayers of the Michigan State athletics family are with the Sturges family and the entire Spartan hockey program. To lose him so suddenly is a shock to all. The department’s top priority at this time will be providing supportive resources to members of the hockey program and athletic department as they grieve.”
Sturges had been a vital part of Michigan State hockey since returning to the program in 2019. As a student-athlete from 2005 to 2009, he was a member of the 2007 National Championship team and was known for his involvement in community service initiatives, including co-founding the hockey team’s “Shoot for a Cure” campaign. His deep connection to Michigan State is noteworthy as he is one of 19 family members to attend the university, including his father and brother, both of whom were hockey letterwinners.
Before his return to Michigan State, Sturges made his mark at the University of Colorado, where he coached two ACHA programs. From 2016 to 2019, he served as head coach of the ACHA DII team and later took the reins of the ACHA DI program, earning the Big Mountain Hockey Conference Coach of the Year title in 2018.
The legacy of Dan Sturges will undoubtedly live on through the lives he touched and the contributions he made to Michigan State hockey. The community stands united in remembrance of a figure who gave so much to the sport and to those around him.