Michigan State director of hockey operations Dan Sturges died unexpectedly Monday morning, the university announced in a press release.
Sturges, 40, won a national championship with the Spartans in 2007 and served as director of hockey operations since 2019. The cause of his death is unknown.
“Dan Sturges was a beloved member of the Michigan State hockey family, and our entire community is stunned at this devastating news,” Michigan State hockey coach Adam Nightingale said in a statement. “He was an adoring father and a devoted husband, and our hearts break for his wife Becky and their sons. As a player and later as a member of our staff, Dan loved being a Spartan and worked every day to make the program the best it possibly could be. His passion, dedication and impact will leave a lasting legacy.”
Sturges’ father and brother both played for the Spartans hockey program, and he was one of 19 members of his family to attend Michigan State. He helped create the hockey team’s “Shoot for a Cure” program to support the fight against childhood cancer, part of his involvement with Student-Athlete Support Services. He and his wife Becky had two sons.
“The prayers of the Michigan State athletics family are with the Sturges family and the entire Spartan hockey program,” Michigan State athletic director J Batt said. “He cared deeply about the student-athletes and staff in the hockey program, and built genuine relationships with people throughout the department. 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.”
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