Spartan Stories: Dorwart and Russell Bring Infectious Chemistry To Spartans

By Jake Myers, Special to MSUSpartans.com

Daniel Russell and Karsen Dorwart are sophomore forwards for Michigan State hockey, but they aren't just teammates. They are roommates, with the pair forming a strong bond off the ice, which they believe has been a driving force in their success.

Russell, a Traverse City native, always knew he wanted to play hockey at MSU. His father Kerry, a forward, played for the Spartans from 1987-91 and went on to play professionally. He credits his father as a big reason why he loves hockey, and for being a strong mentor.

Before coming to East Lansing, Russell played for the Sioux Falls Stampede, a Tier I junior team in South Dakota. It was there he met Dorwart, who was also far from his hometown of Sherwood, Oregon. The two players quickly became friends, spending lots of time together on and off the ice.

"I think above everything else we're just friends," Dorwart, a forward, said. "We got to know each other really well in Sioux Falls, I'd go over to his house a few times a week and we lived together for 40-man and obviously now we're roommates. So yeah, we're just really good buddies."

Russell's college decision was easy, and when Dorwart was recruited by the new MSU staff in late spring of 2022, he soon followed. Coach Adam Nightingale noticed the chemistry the two freshmen had on the ice soon after they arrived in East Lansing.

The two share many characteristics, primarily, competitiveness. Both pride themselves on their work ethic, focusing on one thing at a time, and getting better every day.

"You watch them in practice and I would say that most days when I leave the rink, if you're ranking guys in practice in terms of their work rate and competitiveness, those guys would be at or near the top of the list," Nightingale said.

Dorwart and Russell try to push each other to be better. However, their competitiveness is not stopped when they get off the ice. Whether it's video games, board games, or schoolwork, Dorwart and Russell are competing with each other.

"I'm pretty competitive to the point where it's probably not fun," Dorwart laughs. "In anything we're doing, if he beats me I'm going to yell at him. I think we both just want to beat the other guy a lot."

The duo shined as freshmen. They were paired on a line along with senior Jagger Joshua, and quickly found success together. Russell was the first freshman since the 2009-10 season to score 30 points. Dorwart was just behind Russell in points (27), and was second on the team in goals (10).

Russell believes this year's Spartan team is different. This squad is determined to make the NCAA tournament after falling just short last season. The Spartans have not reached the NCAA tournament since the 2011-12 season.

Karsen

"We're always trying to get better every day, notes Russell. "I think we would really like to go to the tournament, and know how hard we need to work in every game, every practice to make that happen," Russell said. "We were so close last year and that really stung, so we're really focused on getting to the tournament this year."

This team's chemistry is infectious. It is easy to see how close the players on this team are, and Dorwart and Russell are perfect examples. The two have only positive things to say about each other, constantly finding ways to acknowledge each other's successes.

"I think we're all really close on the team and I think that plays a huge part in us sticking together and picking each other up. If one guy makes a mistake, the other guy is there for you. I think that helps having that chemistry off the ice as well," Russell shares. "I think we are probably a lot closer than a lot of other teams."

The shared chemistry has opened doors for the two to be great. Nightingale noted they are very good on their own, but are able to get the best out of each other and those around them. They have an itch to get better everyday and have adapted the mindset of doing whatever you must do to win.

"Just playing with him I think brings out the best in me just because he makes it so easy for me," Dorwart said. "He's going to get me the puck in good spots. He's just so creative on the ice so I think he just brings out a good part of me."

Spartan Stories: Dorwart and Russell Bring Infectious Chemistry To Spartans

Players Mentioned

Karsen Dorwart

Jagger Joshua

Daniel Russell

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