Hockey world left devastated as Michigan State captain passes away very young

Preston Korytkowski's death has left head coach James Martin and Michigan State's ACHA Division II hockey program mourning its captain.

Michigan State announced the loss of Korytkowski, who wore No. 4 for the Spartans and served as one of the central voices inside their locker room.

The program's message focused far more on the person than the player. Korytkowski was remembered as a teammate, friend and leader whose influence stretched well beyond practices and games.

That responsibility carried weight for a club team built around players balancing school, travel, training and competition. Michigan State competes in ACHA Men's Division II, where Korytkowski had become an established part of the program.

The Spartans' 2025-26 roster listed Korytkowski as a 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward from Rockford, Michigan. His connection to the program had already extended across multiple seasons.

For Martin's group, replacing a captain on the ice is only part of what comes next. The harder absence will be felt in the routines, relationships and leadership structure that form inside a college hockey room.

Michigan State remembers much more than No. 4

Tributes surrounding Korytkowski have centered on the way teammates viewed him away from competition. Michigan State's message made clear that the letter on his jersey represented only part of his place within the team.

Korytkowski had ties to Rockford, East Lansing and Fredericksburg, Virginia, communities connected to different stages of his young life.

His hockey story had also become deeply tied to Michigan State. Records from the ACHA level show Korytkowski competing for the Spartans across several seasons while developing into the player trusted with the captaincy.

That makes the loss especially difficult for teammates who shared road trips, practices and countless hours around the rink with him.

Michigan State's club program has long required a heavy commitment from its players, with academics and hockey competing for the same hours. Those circumstances often turn teammates into a tight group away from the rink as well.

The Spartans closed their tribute by making one thing unmistakable: Korytkowski's No. 4 will remain connected to the people who played beside him and followed his leadership.

For Michigan State hockey, this is no longer about a roster spot or a letter on a jersey. It is about remembering Preston Korytkowski and the mark their captain left behind.

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