First things first. Call it a public service announcement. A mission statement? Maybe a warning label?

The following list is that of my own, and in no way reflects the views, opinions or assessments of any other coach, evaluator or person affiliated with high school hockey or the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches’ Association (MHSHCA). Any questions, comments, concerns or opinions related to the content of this article can be directed towards myself, Craig Peterson, readily available via Twitter and Instagram.

Look, I’m just a guy who watches a lot of hockey. I’ve been around a lot of programs over the past 10-15 years. I played, I coached, I scouted. I’ve been witness to some pretty high-end hockey. I see a lot of good things, good players and good programs at the high school level. Oh, and I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism. I want to help. Pairing both a passion for high school hockey with some writing skills is my way of growing the game, promoting its players and teams, and providing next-level coverage of the sport that we all love.

The Top 100 Names to Know in High School Hockey is far and away the most grueling and intensive piece of content I’ve ever had to put together. Long days at the rink, countless hours streaming games and watching film, an entire notebook filled with chicken scratch cover-to-cover. All for one 7,000-word article that ended up touching on 100 players from 66 different programs around the state when all was said and done.

Rightfully so, it’s also the most scrutinized piece of work. Everyone wants to weigh in regarding who’s on the list and the order they’re in. Anyone left off makes their case why they should be on. I get it. Honestly, I think a healthy debate regarding players and programs creates a good energy and excitement around our game that others may lack. It’s not about being right or wrong to me, it’s about getting the conversations started.

Last year, the 2019 Top 100 featured nine players who went on to sign NAHL tender agreements, including six of the Top 10. It also included two 2020 USHL Draft picks and three NAHL Draft picks. The eventual 2020 Mr. Hockey recipient checked in at No. 29, and the other members of the Dream Team at No. 7, No. 9, No. 43 and No. 97 (the sixth being a first-year player ineligible for last year’s Top 100).

Full disclosure, I also missed the mark in 2019 on one NAHL tender, one NAHL draft pick and a future AJHL defenseman from last year’s list. So as much as I love doing this, and hopefully you the reader enjoy the coverage, by no means is the Top 100 the end all, be all.

Allow me to lay a little groundwork for the basis of this list. I’ve compiled my top 100 players *returning* to high school hockey. I believe many of these athletes to be promising prospects at the junior hockey level for the way they play the game and the impact that they have on the ice. There are others who have compiled a decorated resume over the course of their playing careers as well, and I believe they will have a significant impact on their team this season. With more than 2,000 varsity hockey players in the state, I am quite confident there are several talented players that I’m missing and may be worth consideration. There are also several dozen first-year players who I make exempt from this list that will certainly have a major impact on the hockey landscape. Maybe that’s an article for later… hmmm… 

Anyway, there’s 65 forwards, 28 defensemen and seven goalies that made this year’s list from every corner and crevice of the state. Without further adieu, let’s take a look at the 80 seniors, 19 juniors and one sophomore that make up my 2021 Top 100 Names to Know Returning to High School Hockey…

100. Derek Hebner, Petoskey
2003 Senior Defenseman

Not many in high school surpass 100 career points, but Hebner hit the mark last February. He’s a big kid with some natural skill and produces in bunches. He had eight games of three-or-more points which is just insane numbers for a defenseman.

99. Ethan Kotre, Ann Arbor Pioneer
2003 Senior Defenseman

Listed as both a forward and a D for Pioneer last season, Kotre did a lot of everything. By ‘a lot’ I mean just 25 goals and 53 points, and produced in 21-of-26 outings; not a big deal. If it’s possible, the Pioneers may lean on him even more as a senior leader.

98. Austin Douma, Lowell-Caledonia
2003 Senior Forward

Started out strong this fall; I saw a lot I really liked. Good vision, decent puck skills, worked his butt off in the offensive zone. Douma faded a little bit as the MDHL season went on, but if he can get back to executing consistently, he could really shine.

97. Ethan Borowski, Bay City
Senior Defenseman

Borowski was very noticeable on film. He flashed some really good explosiveness in transition and can attack with speed when he head-man’s the puck. That aggressiveness led to 21 goals from the back end; truly like having a fourth forward on the rush for Bay City.

96. Ethan McCormick, Grosse Pointe North
2003 Senior Forward

McCormick got hot late last season with 11 of his 20 points in the final eight games of the season. It’d be tough to carry that moment through a nine-month offseason but what it does show is that he’s successfully acclimated to the speed of high school hockey. Could be primed for a big year.

95. Evan Bliss, Woodhaven
Senior Forward

He was quite the facilitator last season with 28 assists in 24 games. Bliss had a couple of goal scorers to feed the puck to as a junior and it led to plenty of offense for the Warriors. He can finish as well, with 30 career goals, and senior year could prove to be his biggest campaign yet.

94. Austin Combs, Milford
2003 Senior Forward

I would like to see him pounce on loose pucks or blow past defenders with speed; flash that second gear if he’s got it. Combs does a lot of good things as far as positioning and possessing the puck. If he can find that explosiveness in his stride, he’ll take that next step in his development for sure.

93. Nick Temple, Fenton-Linden United
Junior Defenseman

Temple looks a lot bigger physically than he did this time last year. Seems stronger on the puck, and he already had a pretty heavy shot to begin with. The pace of play can be a challenge at times, but he can clean it up with improved positioning and anticipation. 

92. Lance Farrell, St. Clair Shores Unified
2003 Senior Forward

He produces in bunches. In the 19 games Farrell recorded a point, 12 of them were multi-point outings. He was a big impact player for SCS as a junior, factoring in on 60 percent of the team’s goals last season. Expect more of that from him in his final campaign.

91. Matt Herniman, Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
Senior Forward

A scrappy guy that works hard to get himself into scoring areas. Herniman creates plenty of offense for himself and his teammates by just working his ass off and finding space. Won’t dazzle with raw talent, but you don’t score 78 points in 50 games by accident either. 

90. Ryan Galligan, Clarkston
2002 Senior Defenseman

Really caught my eye late last season. Galligan was cool, calm and composed on the back end and really controlled the flow of the game. Would like to see him stay out of the box and spend more time on the ice, because he is so impactful and provides a ton of value to the Wolves defensively.

89. Tyler Valik, Chelsea
2003 Senior Forward

One of only a few players last season that average a goal per game, going up against some decent competition in the SEC as well. Valik finished his junior campaign with 61 points for the Bulldogs and will lead a pretty experienced team that only graduated two seniors last spring.

88. Jeffrey Deriemacker, L’Anse Creuse Unified
2003 Senior Defenseman

Finished sixth in the MAC last season in scoring; pretty impressive for a first-year junior. Deriemacker led LCU with 19 goals and 32 points from the blue line, getting highly involved in the offense and constantly having the puck on his stick.

87. Ryley Sikkenga, East Grand Rapids
2002 Senior Forward

He’s got a goal scorer’s touch with 20 goals in 19 games last season. Unfortunately, I didn’t quite see that same finishing ability from Sikkenga this fall. He’s capable, though, and should get back to his point producing ways when he returns to the EGR lineup this winter.

86. Ryan Herzog, Riverview
2003 Senior Forward

Started off this fall pretty rusty, somewhat expected given the offseason, but got better and better as the MDHL season wore on. Speed of the game can be a challenge at times, but when he has time and space, Herzog can make some heady plays with the puck and pretty responsible defensively as well.

85. Tyler Nickelson, Forest Hills Northern-Eastern
Senior Forward

When he keeps his feet moving, I like him a lot. Nickelson can be an impact player in the OK Conference, and should carry the water up front for FHNE. The team is 26-6-4 over the past three seasons when Nickelson records a point, and they’ll lean on him even more in ‘20-21.

84. Camden Markham, Houghton
Sophomore Forward

The *only* sophomore on the list and my U.P. sources tell me he’s a must. At times, he was the Gremlins’ best forward last season as a ninth grader. I’ve always said the biggest jump in development is from year one to year two, and Markham is on a trajectory to cement himself as Houghton’s top threat in his second season.. 

83. Casen Faustyn, Okemos
2003 Senior Forward

A really smooth skater who jumps into the offensive rush effectively. Not only does Faustyn join, but regularly leads the charge as well and creates tons of offense from the back end. Put up 43 points in 24 games for the Chiefs last season.

82. Sebastian Potter, Riverview Gabriel Richard
2003 Junior Forward

I’ve got a lot of respect for kids who stop on pucks. Potter isn’t always perfect but he is a pretty honest player, with lots of stops and starts that constantly keep him in good position. He should carry a heavy workload for the Pioneers after graduating their top three scorers. 

81. Steven Miller, Howell
2003 Senior Forward

Miller can buzz pretty good in pursuit of the puck, chasing down opposing defensemen and engaging in one-on-one battles. He puts in a lot of work below the hash marks and produced 19 goals for the Highlanders last season.

80. Matthew Herb, Brother Rice
2004 Junior Defenseman

The Warriors graduated five players off the blue line last season, so Herb should carry a heavy workload as the lone returner. I think he still has a couple key areas that he needs to develop, but Herb is in a good spot to grow and develop at Rice.

79. Ethan Bond, Capital City
2003 Senior Forward

I really like his urgency in transition. Bond is a good combination of playing desperate and being composed under pressure. Every once in a while, he’ll bust out a flashy deke or connect on a pass that’ll impress too. Should have a ton of upside for the Caps this season. 

78. Isaac Gibbs, Novi
2003 Senior Forward

He’s a little bit lighter on his skates but Gibbs can fill the role of a power forward type in the Wildcats’ lineup. He reads the play pretty well and anticipates where the puck is going, allowing Gibbs to create opportunities for him and his linemates.

77. Hunter Fortner, Kingsford
Junior Forward

Small but skilled and has a nose for the net. Fortner accounted for more than one-third of the Flivvers’ offensive production last season as a sophomore. Returning for his third season, Fortner is ripe for a breakout campaign.

76. Devin Price, M-1 United
2003 Junior Defenseman

Really respectable measurables; has the look of a top D-man at 6-foot-1 and 165 pounds. I have some concerns about strength on stick and getting pushed around at times but he covers a lot of real estate in the defensive end and rotates responsibly.

75. Cameron Dunn, West Ottawa
2003 Senior Forward

I really like Dunn’s patience with the puck. He makes plenty of smart plays on the move, going one way and teammates going another. It’s a lot to process but Dunn does it with his head up, surveying the situation and making heady decisions that lead to offense. 

74. John-Michael Watson, Saginaw Heritage
2003 Senior Defenseman

Watson is a very versatile player for coach J.J. Bamberger. He has been a cornerstone guy for the program for three years that have included a Final Four appearance in each season. Now a senior, Watson will lead a young group from the backend in a quest for four straight trips.

73. Carson Peters, Traverse City Central
2003 Senior Forward

Don’t let his size fool you. Peters can be a very dangerous player. He zips around the ice in open spaces and tight quarters, and can burn defenders on his way to the net with a nice finish. Put together four separate four-game point streaks last season, and the Trojans will look to him for consistency again in 2020-21.

72. Andrew Potyk, Lake Orion
2002 Senior Forward

Has a decent jump on scrums and it feels like he has the puck on his stick a lot throughout the course of a game. Potyk can get caught trying to do too much at times, overhandling and skating into trouble. However, with the puck constantly on his stick, he has the ability to dictate the flow of the game quite a bit. 

71. Everett Pietila, Howell
2003 Junior Forward

Gritty guy that sticks his nose in the mix along the boards and also clogs shooting lanes in the D-zone. Every lineup needs a player like Pietila who makes the dirty plays that not everyone is willing to do. Teammates will rally around those shot blocks and board battles.

70. Luke Nickolaus, Byron Center
2002 Senior Forward

Very talented with a nice skillset. Few have the natural ability to finish the way that Nickolaus does and on a team full of dangerous goal scorers, he may be their biggest threat. The Bulldogs return their top five scorers from a season ago.

69. Kaleb Miller, Bay Reps
2003 Senior Forward

Carries good pace through the neutral zone and attacks with speed. Miller can be very dangerous on the rush with and without the puck. He had seven multi-goal games in the Reps’ final 10 outings, including both playoff games. Miller is capable of striking and striking in bunches.

68. Adam Chismar, Salem
2002 Senior Defenseman

Covers a ton of surface area with his 6-foot-5 frame and very long reach. Chismar is not super strong on the puck but flashes some really good skills when he has possession. He’s pretty heady, and jumps into soft areas in the offensive zone at some opportune moments as well. 

67. Ansel Frost, Marquette
2003 Senior Forward

The Redmen return quite a few players from last season’s Final Four team, and Frost will lead the way for coach Doug Garrow’s squad. Small in stature but big in game, he has plenty of puck skills and pairs that with a good motor that doesn’t slow down.

66. Caleb Kneiding, Trenton
2002 Senior Defenseman

Really big, thick D-man who is pretty stingy defensively. I think his range of mobility is a little deceiving because of his size but Kneiding is really good one-on-one and positions himself well between the opponent and the net. Reliable first pass and pretty fluid feet with the puck on his stick.

65. Aaron Vyletel, Grosse Pointe South
2003 Senior Forward

A work-hard guy who creates a lot of havoc on the forecheck and is a perfect fit for coach Paul Moretz scheme. Was second on the team in scoring for last season’s No. 7-ranked Blue Devils and could have an even bigger campaign as a senior. 

64. Chad Noetzel, Port Huron Northern
2002 Senior Forward

Caught my eye early last season and never let up after that. Noetzel is a big impact player for the Huskies and more than just putting up points. He’s pretty reliable defensively, good motor on the forecheck and constantly makes things happen all over the ice.

63. Jamie Newton, Ann Arbor Skyline
2003 Senior Forward

He’s really effective in space and has nice vision with the puck. I would like to see him be grittier in the corners but his play-making ability is fantastic, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates in the offensive zone.

62. Mason Mikesch, Hancock
2003 Senior Forward

Mikesch has a pretty large frame with good reach. His size helps him engage along the half-walls and be a factor in board battles. Posted 41 points in his junior year and is a really nice playmaker in the Bulldogs’ lineup.

61. Robert Dessy, Rochester Stoney Creek
2003 Senior Forward

Battled back from injury this fall and returned to the ice strong. Dessy gets up and down the ice quick with a good jump in his game. He also has a pretty large range, covering a lot of the ice in a timely fashion. Should have a huge senior year for the Cougars. 

60. Devan Grayshaw, Salem
2002 Senior Forward

I thought Grayshaw was a little passive in the fall, but I’m also quite confident that coach Ryan Ossenmacher will get the four-year senior back to being effective in the regular season. Grayshaw is a thick, strong kid who drops bombs with his shot and is a pretty decent puck carrier as well.

59. Maxwell Rallis, Novi
2003 Senior Defenseman

He keeps everything in front of him, and as a former defenseman I really respect that. Rallis is a low-risk type guy that moves pucks to his wingers and isn’t going to put his team in jeopardy by trying to do too much. Good frame, good skater as well.

58. Garrett Walker, Lowell-Caledonia
2003 Senior Goalie

One of the bigger, more mobile goaltenders in the Class of 2021. Walker works his way through traffic effectively, stays square and takes up a lot of net. He had the second lowest goals against average in the MDHL with a 1.78; a league that does *not* favor the net minders.

57. Nathan Przysiecki, Brighton
2002 Senior Forward

Good power forward type look to him with size and thickness. Przysiecki is reliable from the wing and does a nice job making sure pucks get out of trouble areas in the D-zone and deep on a forecheck in the O-zone. Should have a significant impact for the Bulldogs this season.

56. Mitchell Skamiera, South Lyon Unified
2003 Senior Forward

A pretty good skater who looks smooth and comfortable on the ice. Skamiera has some good flash to his game and nice puck skills. He’s on the lighter side and can get bumped off the puck along the walls but in open space, Skamiera can create a bunch.

55. Braeden Fouchea, Rockford
2003 Senior Forward

He’s not going to win a beauty pageant but damn does he work hard. Fouchea’s got a motor that doesn’t let up and is the poster child for Rockford’s style of hockey. Gritty, aggressive, relentless at times and just gets stuff done, never worried about being pretty.

54. Thomas Shea, Detroit Catholic Central
2003 Senior Forward

One of CC’s bigger guys up front and plays the power forward role well. Can be a little over his skis at times but I’d rather have a guy that overpursues and plays too fast as opposed to the inverse. When Shea is on, though, lots of good things happen and he can make plays with and without the puck.

53. Kolin LeDuc, Macomb Dakota
Junior Forward

Love this kid’s game; his style of play jumps off the screen at you when watching film. LeDuc has an impact on the game in all three zones for all three periods, as he’s constantly involved in the play and one of the more talented players flying under the radar in Michigan. 

52. Lucas Jeffreys, Forest Hills Central
2003 Junior Defenseman

Really big, thick D-man who’s sneaky smooth with the puck. Jeffreys can be a little slow in transition defensively but I think in-zone, he can actually be pretty staunch in the corners against oncoming forwards. One of many talented junior defensemen on the westside.

51. Matt Mogle, Jackson Lumen Christi
2003 Senior Forward

Mogle is a hungry dog on the ice that is relentless on both the forecheck and backcheck. It’s a rarity to find a young center who plays such an honest game but he was the real deal up the middle last season and I expect him to be even better as a senior. 

50. Trent Stoner, Kalamazoo Eagles
2002 Senior Forward

He gets off the wall and gets momentum going towards the net well. Stoner led the Eagles in scoring last season and he’ll do it again as a senior, so long as he doesn’t force the issue and lets the game come to him. Plenty of puck skills and offensive zone awareness to be a threat against anyone.

49. Joshua Reece, Traverse City West
2002 Senior Defenseman

A wiry defender who’s really good with his angles. Reece is tough to beat in transition, derailing a lot of puck carriers between the red line and defensive hash marks. He makes a lot of plays in rhythm too, catching pucks in stride and moving them north without many hiccups.

48. Matthew Witt, Midland
2004 Junior Forward

Not an explosive skater but he makes up for it with his smarts and is truly a student of the game, looking to improve all the time. Witt has some moments that’ll get you fired up as a coach but the challenge for him will be to do it every single shift, every game and produce those moments consistently. 

47. Brendan Stroble, Livonia Stevenson
2002 Senior Goalie

One evaluator referred to him as “a really good, adaptive skater.” I’m sure the goalies in the room will appreciate that one. Stroble is a good mix of athletic and technical, and put up some stellar numbers last season as the top goalie in Division-II. His biggest competition in ‘20-21 may very easily be himself.

46. Ben Wild, Saline
2002 Senior Forward

Fantastic work ethic and makes a lot of good things happen. Wild isn’t flashy, but his straight-line approach makes him very effective. The 5-foot-11 center makes the simple plays that lead to awesome results, and he made a ton of improvements to his game this fall.

45. Blake Nowak, U-D Jesuit
2003 Senior Goalie

He’s got a very calm presence in net that puts his teammates at ease and allows them to play with confidence. Nowak never seems rattled, even in the midst of battling for position on loose pucks. Even against a daunting MIHL schedule, Nowak will give the Cubs a chance to win every time he’s in net.

44. Jacob Seiter, Brighton
2003 Senior Defenseman

Really good feet; I love the way he crawls along the offensive blue line while keeping his shoulders and eyes towards the net. Seiter can make some really awesome things happen, but as a defenseman sometimes, it’s about making the simple play and not necessarily the awesome play. If he can find that balance and limit mistakes, he’ll be huge for the Bulldogs.

43. Ryan Almassian, Forest Hills Northern-Eastern
Junior Defenseman

Much more physically developed from last season. Almassian had the frame you look for in defensemen last year as a sophomore and has since filled out, looking bigger and stronger on the ice. Keep things simple in the D-zone and make routine plays with the puck on his stick, and Almassian will be well on his way.

42. Doug Wood, University Liggett
2003 Junior Forward

Really talented with the puck on his stick. I would still like to see improvements in his game away from the puck but there’s no denying Wood’s ability to razzle-dazzle one-on-one and find creative ways to score some high-level goals.

41. Karson Krutina, Escanaba
2003 Junior Forward

Nothing flashy here, just pure hard work and effort with a little bit of skill sprinkled in. I mean that with the utmost respect, simply meaning that Krutina works for everything he gets on the ice. As a point-per-game guy last season as a sophomore, all things should trend upward for the third-year junior.

40. Brennen Hakkola, Marquette
2003 Senior Goalie

He’s posted back-to-back seasons with sub-2.00 goals-against averages against some pretty top-notch competition. A combination of decent size and good feet, and now as the primary netminder for Marquette, the stage is set for Hakkola to really flex on the U.P. this season.

39. Alec Hamady, Brother Rice
2003 Senior Forward

Sound defensively, provides solid back pressure, maintains good position and all that leads to lots of takeaways for Hamady. He’ll be a great shut-down guy that gets matched up with the opponent’s top scoring line, and playing in the MIHL, he’ll face plenty of offensive threats.

38. Seth Ferguson, Hartland
2003 Senior Forward

He has a really solid skill set and understanding of the game. Ferguson is a good skater and was one of the top producing forwards for MHA this fall, which is no easy task. I’d just like to see him engage more defensively, because when he does, he’s really successful. 

37. Billy VanSumeren, Midland Dow
2003 Junior Forward

When it comes to power forwards, they don’t get much bigger than VanSumeren. He has one of the heaviest, if not the heaviest shot in the game and can be really good offensively. If he can find that second gear, add an explosive first step to his repertoire, BVS could be very dominant.

36. Dayton Perroud, Rockford
2002 Senior Defenseman

Perroud is a really strong skater, maybe one of the best among defensemen for MDHL Green this fall. He’s not a stat stuffer but he doesn’t need to be. Perroud’s game is more about keeping everything in front of him and minimizes risks, having an active stick and snapping strong passes on the tape to teammates. 

35. Collin Preston, Trenton
2003 Senior Forward

Very crafty in the offensive zone and constantly flying around to make himself an option to the puck carrier. He could create chances in a phone booth and converts turnovers into scoring opportunities before defenders know what hit ‘em. Trenton will lean on that playmaking ability this season.

34. Alex Ceritano, Cranbrook
2003 Senior Forward

He’s a real scrappy player with some good grit in his game. Ceritano is quick to jump on loose pucks, fights through traffic and buzzes constantly. Killing penalties with this kid would be fun; he’s a guy I’m sure coaches would love to have in the lineup.

33. Aidan Talsma, Hudsonville
2002 Senior Defenseman

A very fluid player who’s constantly in rhythm. Pucks come to and from him so effortlessly, and Talsma just does a lot of good things without skipping a beat. Credit much of that to his footwork which puts him in position to move pucks effectively. He makes some errors, but damn, he battles his butt off to make up for them too.

32. Lenny Kubitski, Canton
2003 Senior Forward

He’s a big, thick, strong kid that was one of the biggest surprises to come out of the MDHL fall season. Kubitski can play with really good pace and transitions well in both directions. Could be a rising star in the KLAA this season.

31. Aaron Ackerson, Bay Reps
2004 Junior Defenseman

Still a little bit raw and unpolished, but Ackerson has the measurables that scouts salivate over for next-level defensemen. He’s 6-foot-3 and occupies a lot of space, I just want to see him utilize that a bit more with tight gaps in transition and being a little bit stingier in the corners.

30. Andrew Uturo, Grandville
2003 Senior Forward

He’s a future hockey coach in the making. Uturo is a really smart player; I mean so smart that even his line changes are methodical and planned out. Maybe that seems silly to point out but this kid is like an extension of the coach, knows where to go, when to go, how to go and why he needs to go, making lots of good things happen in the process.  

29. Jacob Spitz, Grosse Pointe South
2003 Junior Defenseman

The 5-foot-9 defender logged a crazy amount of minutes for the Blue Devils as a sophomore and I’ve gotta assume his role will only increase as he progresses. He makes really smart decisions with the puck on his stick and I really like his ability to distribute the puck in all three zones. 

28. Kaden Hemme, Detroit Catholic Central
2003 Junior Defenseman

The Shamrocks graduated A LOT from the back end last season, so having Hemme come back will certainly serve as a foundational building block for coach Brandon Kaleniecki. Hemme has tremendous reach and gets to a lot of loose pucks and has a heavy shot when he steps into one.

27. Matt Kuphal, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
2002 Senior Forward

The more I watch, the more I like him. Kuphal can have quite the impact as a two-way forward and engages well in board battles. He had a real strong outing as a junior and it may be tough to duplicate those numbers from a season ago, but the type of game he plays will be very effective for the Eaglets.  

26. Ryan Piros, Hartland
2003 Senior Goalie

The Eagles netminder was good as the starter last season and has been great this fall. Piros has made some significant improvements and it shows in his play. He tracks well through traffic and rarely looks rattled in net; with a strong campaign he could go down as the top goaltender of the season.

25. Jack Sexsmith, Brighton
2004 Junior Defenseman

May be one of the best prospects from the Class of 2022, given his size, skating ability, hockey IQ and general skill set. There’s A LOT to like about Sexsmith. He’s a reliable first-pass guy that stays within himself and rarely gets overextended or exposed. If he keeps doing those little things, he’ll shoot up people’s watchlists and be Brighton’s next top prospect to come through the program.

24. Tom Erkkila, Calumet
2004 Junior Defenseman

A natural with and without the puck that makes some challenging plays look routine. Erkkila was an important role player for the Copper Kings last season but will step into a much more prominent position as their top defender in his second season. His ability to produce from the blue line comes by way of simple decisions and getting pucks into the funnel.  

23. Ayden Adamic, Livonia Stevenson
2002 Senior Defenseman

One tough defender. Adamic is awesome one-on-one against some of the best in the game. He’s great in both zones but truly at his best in transition, eliminating the best an opponent has to offer by separating them from the puck or walling them off to the outside. He’s active on the rush and can head-man the puck effectively as well.

22. Tyler Lawrence, Flint Powers
2003 Senior Forward

Described as a “true forward” because he simply does not cheat the game. Lawrence supports well at both ends of the ice, stops on pucks and makes plays with confidence. He’s made lots of improvements to his game from last season and stock is on the rise. If he keeps this up, Lawrence could get some next-level looks not because of numbers on a scoresheet but because of the subtleties to his game. 

21. Chris Wozniak, Brighton
2003 Senior Goalie

He makes a save every time he’s in net that will leave you shaking your head in amazement. Detractors will quickly point out his lack of size, and I must admit I was one of them but time after time after time, he’s continued to prove doubters wrong. Wozniak is a great skater who’s very mobile and anticipates the play extremely well, and will backstop Brighton to a big season. 

20. Ethan Houck, Saginaw Heritage
2003 Senior Forward

A real solid skater and a wizard with the puck that can flash some pretty high-level individual skills. Houck was one of my favorite players to watch towards the end of last season and stole the show at times, even while sharing the ice with 2020’s Mr. Hockey recipient Brady Rappuhn and 2020 graduate Matthew Cole. Houck is primed to really step into the spotlight as ‘the guy” for his senior year. 

19. Will Dawson, Traverse City Central
2003 Junior Forward

“He can play anywhere in your lineup.” First line, power play, fourth line, penalty kill… One NAHL scout said he’ll slot right into a junior team’s lineup next season without missing a beat. Quite simply, Dawson makes good things happen, whether it be a simple breakout pass to get out of the D-zone clean or producing a high-quality scoring chance on the rush.

18. Dean Therriault, Grosse Pointe South
2002 Senior Forward

Therriault leads a group of aggressive forwards that can be a menace on opposing defensemen. He may be a tad undersized at 5-foot-7 but with that much jump in his game, it’s easy to look past his stature and appreciate the intensity in which he plays with. That pace leads to lots of points as well (16-25-41 last season) and Therriault will certainly be a big producer for the Blue Devils as a senior. 

17. Bret Beale, Detroit Catholic Central
2003 Senior Forward

Positionally, he’s a pretty responsible player. Offers up good support from the center position and has solid intangibles as far as size and skill set are concerned. I like him better on the rush as opposed to in-zone, but Beale can be impactful in a variety of ways. A big senior season could really prove himself as one of the top prospects in the class.

16. Quinton Gove, Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard
2003 Senior Defenseman

This senior class has a ton of really high-end, right-handed defensemen that could be debated, but I think the top lefty is Gove without question. He has great urgency in the defensive zone and plays desperate without the puck. With possession, he’s steady handed and confidently guides the play out of the zone. 

15. Connor Dvorak, FNV Griffins
2004 Junior Forward

He plays the game the right way. My highest-rated junior for good reason and there’s so much to like about Dvorak’s game. He plays at a fast pace and operates in a way very few can. Admittedly, I was mildly skeptical given the Griffins’ slate of opponents but Dvorak is the real deal. I repeat, *the real deal*. Pound for pound, he can play with anyone on this list and should have a monster season.

14. Max Brown, Brother Rice
2002 Senior Forward

The Warriors graduated their top three scorers from a season ago and now Brown steps in as the leader of the perennial powerhouse. He was a point-per-game guy as a second liner in the toughest conference in MI-HS, and now in a more prominent role as a senior, Brown’s productivity will certainly trend upward. 

13. Andrew Larson, Hartland
2003 Senior Forward

A guy that consistently puts himself in the right place at the right time. If it happens once or twice, it’s a nice anomaly. When it happens a bunch, one has to take notice that it’s not just a coincidence. The puck routinely finds its way to Larson one way or the other and if it’s within a stick length, he’s apt to come away with possession. 

12. Jimmy Pietila, Houghton
2002 Senior Goalie

He looks graceful, even when he’s scrambling under duress. Pietila has really good body control and anticipates well with his hands. Started out his junior season very strong but faded a bit as the months passed. If he can be consistent wire-to-wire, Pietila will cement himself as the top netminder in the state during a year in which that title appears to be very much up for grabs.

11. Trevor Davis, Byron Center
2002 Senior Defenseman

A rangy righty that occupies a ton of space. Davis can get up and down the ice with anyone and keeps a tight gap in transition. When he goes, he *GOES* and if you can’t keep up, you better get the Hell outta the way because Davis is going to make something good happen. Could be a little heavier in the corners, but he’s got the size to fix that, just needs some reminders and repetition.

10. Brendan Cwiek, Detroit Catholic Central
2003 Senior Forward

It’s the details of the game that make Cwiek stand out. As simple as stops and starts but it makes him so impactful on loose pucks and allows him to play at a fast pace, constantly involved in the play. He is quite the playmaker as well and someone that the opposition needs to account for all over the ice. 

9. Brendan Finn, Lake Orion
2002 Senior Forward

Haven’t met a coach yet who’s had a bad thing to say about Finn. He works his ass off and has a motor that just does not quit. Everyone has a spot in their lineup for this kid. Finn isn’t the flashiest player and keeps the game pretty simple most of the time up front, but every once in a while, he’ll pull off a move or make a play that’ll really make you take notice.

8. Nick Justice, Livonia Stevenson
2002 Senior Defenseman

He’s big, plays fast and can absolutely take over a game. Justice has great feet and a long stride, and one of only a few players in the state that are truly explosive. He’s highly active in the offense, causing mismatch problems for opponents on the rush and has a heavy shot from the point when established in-zone. 

7. Austin Salani, Hancock
2003 Senior Forward

The Bulldogs had somewhat of a rough ‘19-20 campaign but I think the tides turn a bit this season, and Salani has a lot to do with it. Listed at 5-foot-11 but it feels like he plays much bigger than that. The four-year senior is strong on the puck and can muscle his way to scoring areas, making defenders pay for their mistakes.

6. Adam Pietila, Hartland
2003 Senior Forward

Led the Eagles in scoring a season ago and is fit for another monster year in the KLAA. Pietila’s puck skills are excellent and he looks so comfortable with possession in all three zones. He’s especially effective in the offensive zone and has a great feel for the flow of the game, not just where guys are but where they’re going to be as well. 

5. Dean Loukus, Calumet
2003 Senior Forward

I’m actually really excited to see what the four-year Copper King does for a victory lap. Loukus has posted *three consecutive* 40-point seasons, and I don’t know too many that have accomplished that feat in MI-HS. However, cousin Scott Loukus has graduated and classmate Tanner Rowe has moved on to the NAHL. Dean isn’t on an island when it comes to talent in Calumet, but it will be very interesting to see what he’s able to accomplish as “the guy” in Copper Country. Call him the silent assassin for his ability to be very unassuming and the BAM! Your goalie is fishing the puck out of his own net. 

4. Leyton Stenman, Cranbrook
2002 Senior Defenseman

Capable of doing it all, smart enough not to. Think about that one for a second. Some of the best defensemen in the game, at any level, know when to keep things simple and make the *smart* play as opposed to the *big* play. Stenman has all the weapons in his arsenal to wire a pass cross-ice through a zone-and-a-half to hit a curling winger and spring them on a breakaway. He also possesses the intelligence – and patience – to know that ‘glass-and-out’ is a tried and true option as well. Steady, reliable, smart, effective and patient… that’s a lot of checkmarks and precisely why I’m calling Stenman the best defenseman in the state.

3. Brendan Heard, Livonia Stevenson
2002 Senior Forward

To quote one scout, “his game translates very well to the next level.” That isn’t always the case for top high school prospects but it is quite true for Heard. He can make the pretty plays that make ya say ‘wow’ and isn’t gonna take crap from anybody either. Matter of fact, he’ll dish it out often and be quite the antagonist on the ice. A bit too much at times for my liking, but he’s got a bit of that Brad Marchand, hate him as an opponent but absolutely love him as a teammate, type of guy. Wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if some other scouts out there have him as the No. 1 prospect in MI-HS.

2. Lucas Krol, Detroit Country Day
2003 Senior Forward

Krol finished the ‘19-20 season playing some of his best hockey and he’s continued on that trajectory through this offseason. He can be a pest without the puck and wins a ton of battles along the walls. He was fantastic this fall for 18U Michigan Hockey Advancement’s top line and was a goal-scoring machine producing nearly a goal per game against some good NAPHL competition. He’s attracted a wealth of next-level interest already and I only expect that to increase as his senior season unfolds.

1. Max Marquette, U-D Jesuit
2003 Senior Forward

He’s a compact player who can be extremely explosive. Marquette’s footwork sets him apart from others at this level and his first two strides provide for an awesome ability to capitalize on small windows of opportunity. Puck skills are solid as well and hockey IQ is fantastic. He can be very assertive; I love the way he makes the opponent play at his pace, and forces defenders to keep up with him. Marquette has the weapons to be flashy and make fancy plays but is also smart enough to make the simple plays, not forcing pucks into traffic or trouble areas.