Top 100 Names to Know in Michigan High School Hockey
Key returners, impact players and top prospects from 60 different programs around the state
Craig Peterson
November 13, 2024
This. This piece of content right here is the reason I do what I do.
My first list of the Top 100 Names to Know in Michigan High School Hockey was assembled back in 2019. I was a hockey nerd that stepped away from coaching for a brief period, but wanted to stay involved in the game in some capacity. I was at the rink all the time, watching Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) games. Scoreboard watching results of games on the Michigan High School Hockey Hub. I was constantly on the phone with my network of coaches just talking shop about the game. Getting the details on how a certain prospect landed a tender agreement with a North American Hockey League (NAHL) team. Hearing about Division-I college commits before they went public. Tons of great stories that illustrated just how good the product of high school hockey was in the state of Michigan… and no one was telling that story.
A LOT has happened since 2019, and the game has never been covered more than it has today. State Champs! coverage has erupted via social media, producing hockey content that does millions of views each season. Local beat writers, elite-level photographers, podcasters and even team-specific broadcast crews that stream on YouTube and local radio.
My goal when I started was to cover youth hockey the way the pros get covered; media scrums, highlights, fancy graphics, bold predictions, rankings… Five years later, here it is! And we’re only getting started.
Now I’d never claim to be the sole reason — or even the main reason — for this level of coverage. But I do believe passion breeds passion. Seeing the dedication Sean Baligian and Jon Kidd put into their product on SC! inspires me to make better content. Seeing Casey Campbell’s creativity and energy inspires me to be creative in my own ways too. The diligence and commitment of local beat writers like Bill Khan motivates me to show up every day and do what I do. Photographers like Tim Arrick and Mike Caples are iconic in youth hockey, capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments through the camera lens. Matt Gajtka, Brian Johnson… There’s so many more out there who help elevate this game in a variety of ways. We are truly blessed to have this many impactful people in our sport.
These guys, and many others like them, keep me motivated each winter to be better this season than I was last season, and strive towards new ideas for next season too. And, hopefully, I’m returning the favor to them while also inspiring others to follow their passion.
This season is an interesting one for Michigan high school hockey. Looking at this list of 100 names, I’m not convinced the best player in the state is even on this list. Huh?! There’s a ton of great names, don’t get me wrong. But I’m very confident there will be some first-year guys that are going to have monster seasons for state title contending teams. First-year players, as you may or may not know, are not eligible for the Top 100 as it only focuses on returning players in Michigan high school hockey. With that, let me remind you of the criteria I use for compiling this list:
1. Returning players only
2. Impact and importance to their respective team
3. Overall skill and ability
4. Prospect potential to play beyond high school hockey
What’s important to keep in mind is what I mentioned earlier. These are not necessarily the 100 best players in high school hockey. Brooks Rogowski, 2024 OHL Draft pick, was not on the list last season. Not my finest moment, but this list is meant to highlight the various players around the state, their importance to their team, their production value and their prospect potential. Some may be more skilled than others, while others may be more crucial to their team’s success. There’s a ton of great players in our game. That’s a good problem to have. Top prospects unintentionally get omitted from this list every year. But let this list serve as a baseline; a starting point for productive conversations around those players and teams.
Without further adieu, it’s time to unveil the Top 100 Names to Know returning to Michigan High School Hockey for the 2024-25 season.
Luke Londo
Novi
He has good footwork and is comfortable with the puck on his stick. Londo is in rhythm in transition and moves the play along nicely. Led the Wildcats in scoring with 32 points, finishing his junior season on a nine-game point streak.
Harmon Esch
Caledonia
An absolute buzzsaw who throws his weight around and muscles his way through crowded areas in the rink. Thirteen goals and 27 points as a sophomore, with eight multi-point games in his two-year varsity career with the Fighting Scots.
Jake Rau
Tri-Valley Thunder
A near point-per-game guy last season as a freshman, Rau scored 11 goals and 23 points in 24 games in his first year of varsity hockey. With Bay Area Thunder and Tri-Valley Titans joining forces to become a newly formed co-op, Rau should be the team’s go-to guy.
Nathan Ligi
South Lyon Unified
The ‘08-born forward put up nine multi-point games last season as a sophomore, totaling 18 goals and 35 points. After graduating 11 seniors last spring, South Lyon could lean heavily on Ligi for offensive production this season.
Carson Mattern
Mattawan
One of the better defensemen in the South Central Hockey League (SCHL), who led his team in scoring last season as a junior. Mattern is a smart puck mover with a habit of finding shooting lanes from the blue line.
Nash Leonard
Bay City
The most experienced among active Michigan high school hockey goaltenders with 55 games under his belt. Leonard played all but 56 minutes of his junior season for Bay City, and may be in line for a similar workload for his fourth and final season.
Luke Webster
Chelsea
Absolutely dominant in Southeastern Conference (SEC) action. Webster has a 21-1-0 record all-time against conference opponents, and posted career bests in goals-against average (2.09), save percentage (.936) and wins (14) last season as a junior.
Jakob Van Zweden
Lakes Area United
Faced 30 or more shots in 18 of his 27 starts during his junior year. Van Zweden compiled a .916 save percentage in the face of all that work, and held opponents to two goals or fewer in almost half of those games.
Jaden Boomhour
Dexter
After playing his freshman and sophomore seasons with the Dreadnaughts, Boomhour spent last season with Biggby 16s. He returns to high school hockey this winter with high expectations for himself and Dexter, after the program won just six games last season.
Tyler Tindall
Reeths-Puffer
He’s scored 48 career goals through two seasons of varsity hockey. Tindall is a proven point producer for a Reeths-Puffer team that’s oozing confidence after a deep playoff run last winter. Can he lead the Rockets back to Plymouth as a senior?
Gary Stacy
University Liggett
Coming off of back-to-back 30-point seasons, having led the Knights in scoring as a junior. Liggett has the luxury of returning its go-to guy, with Stacy positioned to have his most productive season yet.
Antonio Giacalone
Saline
A point-per-game guy with 51 career varsity games under his belt. Giacalone has a playmaker’s skillset and will likely be the Hornets’ biggest offensive threat after losing five of their top six scorers from a season ago.
Freddie Londo
Brighton
Lots of turnover this season for Brighton, but Londo brings a wealth of experience to what will likely be a young squad. He’s reached the State Final each of the last two seasons and will be called upon to be a leader if the Bulldogs want to make it three trips in a row.
Krue Anderson
West Ottawa
Led the Panthers in goals with 18 last season, and most recently, had a strong fall season with the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL). Anderson scored 10 points in league play, was a tournament team kid and played in the MDHL showcase last month.
Logan Spykerman
Forest Hills Northern-Eastern
Split between forward and D last season, but has some real nice fundamentals to his game regardless of where he plays. Stops and starts, competing in puck battles and shows solid puck skills. Twenty-three points in two seasons with the Husky Hawks.
Gabriel Polyviou
Trenton
Flashes of real explosiveness with the puck and dangerous when attacking the net. Trenton was very balanced last season — 14 guys with 10 or more points — and while they should be similar in ‘24-25, Polyviou could take on a more prominent role in the offense.
Braxton McKee
Byron Center
It’s next man up in Byron Center this season after graduating its two big guns. That leaves McKee in line for a significant increase in workload. No worries, though, as 12 of his 49 points last season came in postseason hockey for the Bulldogs.
Christian Gojcaj
Stoney Creek
Plays with a high motor and good intent. Gojcaj is a noticeable step faster than most players in the Oakland Activities Association (OAA), and produced 24 points in 25 games during his third season of varsity hockey.
Brody Sheldon
Marquette
Second on the team in scoring last season with 25 points. Sheldon is a fantastic two-way center that’s impactful at both ends of the rink, but particularly in the D-zone. He supports the puck well while also identifying and eliminating threats away from the play.
Tommy Marinoff
Northville
He led the Mustangs in scoring as a freshman and a sophomore, and there’s no reason to doubt he’ll do it again this winter as a junior. Marinoff is a work-hard type who will put in works along the boards, but can also flash some nice moves in the open ice too.
Dylan Blackwood
De La Salle
Ran a little hot and cold last season for the Pilots, but when he was ‘on’ good things happened. Blackwood’s 26 points as a junior came in 13 games, and De La Salle’s record in those games was 11-2-0. If he gets going, so too, will the Pilots.
Caden Gleason
Sparta
110 career points for the third-year player heading into his senior season. Gleason has good size, skates decently and anticipates the play very well. I love this kid’s all-around game, as it translates well to the next level.
Cayden Stasienko
Portage
A scrappy work-hard with great effort and feet that don’t stop moving. I wouldn’t consider Stasienko to be a high-volume producer at face value, yet he’s quietly scored 40 goals and 94 points ahead of his fourth season of varsity hockey.
Wyatt Emmett
Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard
A chameleon in your lineup. Need a goal scorer? He can produce, set up plays and create opportunities. Need a grinder? He’ll block shots, win board battles and clear pucks. Received glowing reviews after spending this fall with Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA).
Nolan Harris
Midland Dow
He’s a bull in a china shop, who just makes good things happen when he’s on the ice. Harris’ game ain’t pretty but it’s undeniably effective, scoring 23 goals and 42 points, leading the Chargers in scoring as a junior.
Gavin Anderson
Clarkston
He was a middle-of-the-lineup guy for the Wolves last season, but will likely step into a more prominent role now as a junior. Anderson’s a solid energy guy with a flair for the dramatic; timely goal scoring at crucial points in the game.
Zach Delmonte
St. Clair Shores Unified
Back-to-back 20-point seasons for the Lakers as an underclassman. Delmonte is a good skater who gets up and down the ice with pace. I also like his gap control defensively, putting him in position to stay engaged with the play in all three zones.
Brayden Melinn
Grand Rapids Christian
Melinn is a rare combination of size and athleticism in net. His numbers won’t ‘wow’ you with a career save percentage of .909 and goals-against average north of 2.50, but the most important numbers may be 27 career wins in 38 varsity appearances.
Lewis Gardine
Grandville
A big kid that’s grown a lot physically and mentally since his freshman year. Gardine looks very comfortable in his movements on the ice, and is coming off of a real strong fall season with the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL).
Eli Habetler
Mona Shores
Led the Sailors in scoring last season with 23 goals as a sophomore. Mona is in line to make significant improvements, returning four of its top six scorers from ‘23-24. I expect Habetler to be at the forefront of the team’s offensive production along the way.
Alex Hoerle
Allen Park
Really good footwork, floating around the rink and maintaining good position. Hoerle was a top guy for the Jags as a sophomore and has only gotten better this offseason after playing in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL).
Andrew Burny
Flint Powers
Was one of seven Chargers last season to average a point per game. Three of them have since graduated, and Burny could now become a focal point of this Powers offense while also being the cornerstone of their defensive unit.
Rylan Crozier
Detroit Country Day
The Yellowjackets graduated their top four scorers from a season ago. Crozier may just be the guy to fill that offensive void, considering he was a point-per-game producer last season as a junior, and a decorated AAA background before that.
Brendan Boberg
Calumet
Could be the Copper Kings’ most improved player from a season ago. Boberg had a good fall season with the 18U Wisconsin Windigo in the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), and I expect both him and Calumet to take a huge step this winter.
Ben Huotari
Howell
Howell is 19-5-0 all-time when Huotari records a point and 3-10-1 when he does not. Stop Huotari, stop the Highlanders, but that’s a tall task considering he scored 42 points last season as a junior.
Brady Ross
East Grand Rapids
He comes from a AAA pedigree and has played for both Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) and the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) in consecutive offseasons. Ross has the experience to be a factor at the high school level and an increased opportunity to do so this winter.
Cole Kelly
Marquette
He has a career goals-against average of 1.56 and save percentage of .926 over the span of his three varsity seasons. Marquette’s playing style doesn’t call upon Kelly to make a flurry of saves — he’s faced 30 or more shots just six times in his career — but when needed, he’s as good as anyone at this level.
Josh DuMont
Jackson Lumen Christi
Missed all but five games last season with an injury. DuMont returns for his senior year on the heels of a strong fall campaign in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL). Remember, this was a guy who scored 29 points in 26 games just two years ago.
Owen Anderson
Kalamazoo
Anderson didn’t get much run support last season with the Eagles in the bottom 10 in the state for goals scored. But, he proved to be one of the best goalies in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this fall, with a 2.70 goals-against average and .937 save percentage against top-level competition.
Andrew Parmentier
Flint Powers
Has a lot of urgency in his game and purpose behind his movements. Parmentier scored 36 points last season, mounting an 11-game point streak as a junior. After graduating nine seniors last spring, Powers may see Parmentier’s role increase significantly.
Tyler Boynton-Fisher
Bay Reps
Super athletic, crisp movements in net and a high compete level. Boynton-Fisher just battles, and gives the Reps a chance to win on a nightly basis. Easily the team’s most important player, as they look to replace all the losses incurred by way of graduation last spring.
Marco Wolf
Howell
He’s got good size and a knack for creating offense on the rush. That combination of attributes made Wolf a dangerous threat, scoring 29 points in 27 games as a sophomore. A strong fall in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) has positioned Wolf to have a monster junior year.
Brady Damian
Clarkston
Compact, athletic and steady. Damian is consistent in net and you know what you’re getting when you start him. He’s undefeated against Oakland Activities Association (OAA) teams in his two-year career, and could backstop the Wolves to another deep playoff run this winter.
Connor Forster
Riverview Gabriel Richard
Forster has good footwork and a nice motor, getting in the faces of opposing defenders and disrupting breakout attempts. He scored 15 goals and 33 points as a sophomore, but I’m curious to see how he holds up as the strength of schedule gets increasingly tougher.
Nathan Dell
White Lake Lakeland
I loved what I saw from him in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this fall. Dell can fit into just about any role you need him to play, and play with a wide range of other player types as well.
Cam Eichner
Salem
Back-to-back 20-point seasons for the Rocks, and may be playing some of his best hockey at the moment after being a top performer in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL). He’s an iron man too, with a rare chance of playing 100 career varsity games.
Toby Perrault
Cap City
One of the players I’m most excited to see this season. He was solid during his sophomore year and showed signs of being a bonafide stud this fall. A big year from Perrault could propel him into statewide conversation as a top defenseman in the Class of 2026.
Cam Staskowski
Chippewa Valley United
Surgery sidelined him for much of the offseason, but make no mistake, Staskowski was one of the most impactful sophomores in high school hockey last season. He led CVU with 44 points, forechecked his ass off and his effort in all three zones was evident.
Cam Gagnon
Sault Ste. Marie
He’s got good size and decent skates, but what stood out most was his instincts in the offensive zone. Gagnon finds the soft areas and keeps his momentum going towards the net, making him a constant scoring threat.
Trey Damian
Clarkston
Great footwork, and his hands and feet are always in rhythm. Damian’s ability to transition with the puck makes him a dangerous weapon on the back end. A four-year guy for the Wolves, with 78 career varsity games on his resume.
Cade Doud
Midland
A high-motor guy who stops-and-starts on pucks and is constantly involved in the play. Doud has flashed some fancy moves at times, but he thrives more in a two-way role down the middle of the ice.
Tim Peterson
Brighton
Buy stock in this kid before it’s too late! Peterson was good last season; a rare freshman in the Bulldogs’ lineup. One year later, he looks ready to be the team’s go-to guy after a great fall in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL).
Cade Sanborn
Midland
One-half of the Chemics’ version of ‘Sonic and Knuckles.’ Sanborn skates pretty well and makes smart plays with the puck. Led the team in every major category last season as a junior with 20 goals, 22 assist and 42 points.
Cully Hayes
Escanaba
He’s played every minute of Eskymo hockey for the last two seasons as the only goalie on the roster. Hayes has good size, listed at 6-foot, and very athletic in net. Fall hockey with the 16U Wisconsin Windigo in the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has him ready for a strong junior year.
Tevin Stukel
Hancock
The embodiment of scrappy, Stukel scored 13 goals and 24 points as a freshman for the Bulldogs. He spent this offseason skating in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) Austin Bruins’ main camp, and scored eight points in eight games playing for the organization’s 18U team this fall.
Braeden McNamara
Dearborn Divine Child
Back-to-back 50-point seasons puts McNamara among the top active scorers in Michigan high school hockey with 142 career points. He was a standout in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this fall as well.
Dominic Chaput
Salem
He led the Rocks in scoring with 46 points in his first season of varsity hockey. After making Team Michigan last spring, and playing on the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) tournament team this fall, Chaput could make a case to be one of the best this winter.
Oliver Owen
East Grand Rapids
19 of his 32 points last season came after the New Year. Owen really hit his stride in the second half of his junior season, and has snowballed throughout this offseason. His senior year could prove to be his best campaign yet.
Gavin Winterstein
Alpena
A big, powerful forward who can snap shots off in mid-stride. I like the way he stays on top of the play too, rarely out of position. Winterstein produces in bunches too, with 19 career multi-point games in two seasons.
Josh Hooper
Grand Rapids Christian
Ended the ‘23-24 season on a 10-game point streak that accounted for 22 of his 35 points. Hooper got better and better as his junior year wore on and I expect that momentum to carry over after a good run in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this fall.
Gavin Szalkowski
De La Salle
Has a bit of an edge to his game, but doesn’t let it affect his play; Szalkowski loves to compete. A 2.12 goals-against average and .932 save percentage during his first year playing in the uber competitive Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League (MIHL).
Chad Pietila
Howell
So steady and calm under pressure on the back end for the Highlanders. Pietila has been playing top-pair minutes for two seasons already, and I wouldn’t expect that to change any time soon. What an asset to have his experience and skill set.
Connor Buchanan
Livonia Stevenson
Such an unassuming presence on the ice but can make you pay in an instant if you don’t account for him. Buchanan scored just 15 points last season, but I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if that total doubles during his senior year with the Spartans.
Graham Peters
Traverse City Central
Good puck skills and a hockey IQ that’s off the charts. Peters is an extension of the coach, with a strong understanding of the game and systems in place. Led the Trojans in scoring with 27 points, and both Peters and TCC should be even better this winter.
Logan Boettcher
Saginaw Heritage
A great showing at the Final Four last March turned into a roster spot on Team Michigan, which turned into being a top D for Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) Red this fall. Boettcher’s last 12 months are as good as anyone, and he’ll make a strong case to be the No. 1 defender in the state.
Brady Snyder
Hartland
Defends exceptionally well, using his deceptively long reach to take away passing lanes and open ice. He looked great for Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) Red; the No. 1 AAA team in the state that went 18-1-1 during fall hockey.
Garrett Hamp
Alpena
A long, lanky frame with tons of potential. Hamp is strong on his skates with an ability to absorb contact while maintaining possession of the puck. He led Alpena in every major scoring category last season with 28 goals, 26 assists and 54 points.
Diezel Cariera
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Cariera led all Eaglets defensemen last season with three goals and 11 points, but the best assets of his game don’t necessarily translate to points on the board. He’s a shifty puck mover who’s quick on puck retrievals and willing to engage with opposing forecheckers.
Graham Johnson
Escanaba
A 50-point player for the Eskymos as a sophomore, picking up at least one point in all but four games last season. Johnson can be explosive with the puck and dangerous offensively. I’m excited to see where he, and the Eskymos, can go this winter.
Landon Smith
Grandville
Last winter, I saw a good-sized sophomore who was pretty strong and displayed great effort throughout the rink, for a sub-.500 team. Smith validated those claims by being a top performer in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this fall, with 17 points in 12 games. I can’t wait to see what he does next, and what the future holds for the Bulldogs in the process.
Colin Stroble
Livonia Stevenson
Extremely disciplined and very well coached. Stroble is pretty good at adapting to the play as it unfolds and reading off of others on the ice. I like his compete level, and he’s easy to trust in just about every situation the game has to offer.
Will Young
St. Clair Shores Unified
He faced 30 or more shots in 9 of his 13 starts last season. Young saw a lot of work as a sophomore, and followed that up by being the Michigan Developmental Hockey League’s (MDHL) 16U tournament team goalie.
Zach Jaakkola
Jackson Lumen Christi
Jaakkola has 37 career wins to his name ahead of his senior season. I expect him to stockpile quite a few more before graduating, but he’ll certainly be tested against a tough Metro League schedule for the first time.
Nolan Bink
Escanaba
I love watching this kid play. As a fellow defenseman, he’s fun to watch. Skates are great, puck skills are smooth. If Bink is on the ice, odds are pretty high the play is going to go through him. So many puck touches and opportunities to make plays, and he does not disappoint.
Drew L’Esperance
Hartland
A good-sized prospect who can really control the game at times when the puck is on his stick. L’Esperance was a point-per-game guy for the Eagles, with 17 of his 26 points coming against Top-25 opponents.
Nick Wood
Sault Ste. Marie
Second on the team last season with 10 goals and 29 points. Wood has size coupled with a nice skating ability and a knack for making plays. The Blue Devils play an aggressive style of hockey that’s in your face and can grind you out. Wood embodies that from his forward position. The three-year senior is in line for an even larger role this season, and it could lead to bigger results for both him and The Soo in ‘24-25.
Alex McCallum
Northville
A point-per-game guy for the Mustangs last season with 25 points in 21 games. McCallum’s 14 goals from the blue line was second on the team as well. He’s got good size and really smooth footwork from the back end, making McCallum one of the best defenders in Michigan high school hockey. A member of Team Michigan Juniors last spring, who moonlights as an All-State soccer player and state-qualifying track athlete as well.
Cam George
Brother Rice
So smooth with the puck on his stick; he makes the hard plays look easy. A compact 2007-born prospect on the back end who’s swift on retrievals and quick to go north with the puck. George had 17 points as a junior for the Warriors last season, and is coming off of a strong fall campaign with Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) Red. His skating ability alone is enough to project George out to be a low-end junior-A, high-end Tier-II junior prospect.
Roman Villaire
Brother Rice
A rare four-year guy for the Warriors, who’s made a habit out of scoring goals everywhere he goes. Villaire has 27 goals and 66 points in his career, with seven goals coming in nine career playoff games. On top of that, he produced offense in bunches at both the Elite Prospects Cup Series and the Grand Rapids Kickoff Classic playing for Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) Red this fall. He’s a bonafide finisher at this level and likely the No. 1 scoring option for Brother Rice this winter.
Kyle Lynch
Clarkston
He’s hard to ignore, whether you’re watching on film or live in the rink. Lynch has a motor and a knack for staying engaged in the play in all three zones. He’s a fantastic center at this level, and that playing style projects him well to junior hockey and beyond. Lynch put up 39 points in 29 games in a secondary role for the Wolves but may very well be the team’s best option up front this season. I expect an increased workload to lead to impressive results and a resume that’s undeniable by season’s end.
Nick Leiter
Detroit Catholic Central
He’s big, he plays with pace, he gets up and down the ice and he’s constantly engaged in the play. Leiter was second on the Shamrocks in scoring with 24 points last season as a junior; six of them coming during the team’s playoff run. I expect him to anchor CC’s defensive efforts this season, even with the addition of multiple AAA players to the back end. He’s not as polished as some others at the position, but he’s just as effective, and not many have faced the level of competition he has to this point in his career.
Chase Potter
Cap City
He put up 42 points in his first season of varsity hockey, leading the Caps in scoring as a sophomore. Potter has quick hands and creative puck skills. His size was a little concerning in ‘23-24, but he’s had a strong offseason after playing in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL), represented in the league’s showcase at season’s end. Cap City is in line for a breakout campaign this winter; not surprising that it correlates with Potter’s potential as well.
Lucas Mankoff
Midland
Mankoff was good last season, but I never would’ve imagined him leading the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) in points. That’s almost exactly what he did this fall, with 18 points — one off the lead — in 11 games in league play. He was a member of the organization’s tournament team and played in the showcase as well. Mankoff is gritty and tough to play against below the hashes. His stock is at an all-time high heading into his senior season with the Chemics.
Nick Timko
Cranbrook
A very well-rounded game. Smooth skater, nice puck skills, plays fast and with a purpose too. Timko is talented enough to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the state. He creates opportunities with and without the puck, driving the net hard on line rushes and finding linemates in open space. After scoring 24 points in 25 regular-season games, Timko put up 11 points in five playoff games. He factored in on more than half of the Cranes’ goals during their Division-III state championship run last season.
Evan Sivi
Trenton
One scout I talked with said Sivi may very well be the best junior hockey prospect at the goalie position this season. His numbers are hard to argue, with 25 varsity wins, a career goals-against average below 2.00 and a save percentage north of 91.0 percent. Trenton will play a gauntlet of a schedule yet again this winter, and Sivi may not be in as much of a timeshare as he has been in previous years. If he is in fact ‘the guy’ and nets big results like I think he’s capable of doing, Sivi may very well be the best prospect at the position.
Gibson Grendel
Forest Hills Central
His footwork is mesmerizing, and I’m jealous. Skating ability alone is enough to project Grendel out to the next level. Production was down year-over-year as a junior, with just 18 points after putting up 30 the previous season. But I think that’s largely due to Grendel’s improved hockey IQ and understanding of the game. He does a much better job of picking his spots, taking what the opponent gives him and not forcing the puck into problem areas. That doesn’t always translate to points on the board, but it certainly helps you prevent giving them up the other way.
Jace DeForge
Houghton
Ended his junior season with 13 points in the final 11 games of the season. He’s played 83 career games with the Gremlins, compiling 32 goals and 73 points along the way. Aside from the points, though, there’s a lot of other aspects to like about DeForge’s game. Stops and starts in the D-zone, playing heavy on the puck. An absolute dawg on the forecheck, tracking down opposing defensemen. A member of Team Michigan last spring, he’ll be appointment viewing this winter for hockey fans and scouts alike.
Julian Johnston
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Second in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this fall with 18 points. He was tops in the league in goals (12) despite playing just eight games. Johnston is great in close quarters, able to collect the puck in a scrum and come out of it with an attacker’s mindset. He gets to the scoring areas with purpose, and makes the most of his opportunities. Decent puck skills and a natural ability, coupled with a 6-foot frame make Johnston a promising 2007-born prospect.
Ryan Watkins
Brighton
He was solid as a junior, but significantly improved upon that after a strong offseason to make him a top prospect heading into the ‘24-25 season. Thirteen of his 19 points last season came after the New Year. He was a Team Michigan kid last spring, a top performer in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL), as well as a tournament team kid and league showcase participant for the organization this fall. Watkins can provide a calming, veteran presence playing some of his best hockey for a Brighton team that will be uncharacteristically young this winter.
James Albers
East Grand Rapids
On a team full of goal scorers last season — six players with double-digit goal totals — Albers stepped into the spotlight with a goal in each of the final three rounds of the Division-III state playoffs. He got better and better as his junior year wore on, and that momentum carried through this offseason. That energy compounded into Albers playing some of his best hockey this fall in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL). He has some explosive hands with a creative mind to find his way past opposing defenders.
Ty Kraut
Hartland
Consistent, reliable and effective. What more can you ask for in a defenseman? Kraut is a big, rangy defender who maintains tight gaps throughout the rink. I love the way he collapses down the offensive zone, taking away time and space before an opposing rush can even get started. And when it does, he uses that positioning to stay engaged in transition back down the ice. Pay close attention to this guy, because for the average fan, it’s easy to take his steadiness for granted.
Will Keane
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
At 6-foot-4 and super athletic, scouts have to be salivating over Keane’s intangibles. He has all the tools to be a high-level goalie prospect, with a butterfly that goes post-to-post and crisp footwork that allows him to challenge shooters. Fifteen of his 19 starts last season came against Top-25 teams, with Orchard Lake playing the third-toughest schedule in the state. It’ll be a similarly difficult slate of games for Keane’s senior year, and if he puts together an impressive campaign, it could solidify him as the top prospect in Michigan high school hockey.
Charlie Price
M-1 United
More than half a dozen scouts have inquired about Price after a strong showing with Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) Red. Not because of his goal scoring (45 career goals) or his play-making ability (62 career assists), but his grit and willingness to grind. Price slots in as the perfect third or fourth line forward at the junior hockey level that can kill penalties, block shots and defend well. Who wouldn’t want this guy in their lineup?!
Connor Arko
Houghton
Played 18U AAA this fall with the Wisconsin Windigo, and finished second on the team in scoring with six points in eight games. This coming after he finished second on the Gremlins in scoring as a sophomore with 13 goals and 41 points. Arko is a stellar skater with great jump off draws and on loose pucks. Couple that with smooth hands and a playmaker’s mindset, and Arko becomes one of the most dangerous offensive threats in Michigan high school hockey.
Kallen Ray
Traverse City West
Show me a Michigan high school hockey player having a better 2024 than Ray. Twenty-one of his 28 points last season came after the New Year. He was named to Team Michigan last spring. He was a top performer in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL), named to the organization’s tournament team and league showcase. He’s got a high ceiling, considering his body of work and proven track record of playing well at a high level. I expect him to be a Canadian Junior-A, American Tier-II caliber of a prospect next season.
Owen Hall
Livonia Stevenson
He’s an absolute gamer who only knows how to play the game one way. Hard, fast, aggressive and desperate. Hall will battle in the corners, wire breakout passes, block shots and drive the net with purpose. As a junior, he led the Spartans in goals (17), assists (25) and points (42). I watched him block a shot in the final seconds of a one-goal game in fall hockey; that told me all I needed to know about this kid. He plays every game like it’s Game 7, and finishes his last shift just as strong as he starts his first.
Ayden Cook
Flint Powers
There was no hotter name coming out of Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) this fall than Cook. He led Flint Powers in scoring as a sophomore with 49 points in 27 games. Then led MHA Red 18U in scoring with 10 points in 10 games. Naturally gifted footwork with effective hands and can make plays at top speed. He attacks the offensive zone with a purpose, creating space for himself and others. Cook may be one of the best all-around players in Michigan high school hockey by season’s end.
Ben Mielock
Forest Hills Central
Was playing American Tier-II junior hockey in the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) as recently as three weeks ago. There aren’t many in Michigan high school hockey capable of playing in that league at present day, and Mielock returns after playing for the Jersey Hitmen for the last two months. He can make the fancy plays with the puck on his stick, while also digging deep and grinding out the opposition in the hard areas. In 53 career varsity games, Mielock has totaled 32 goals and 57 career points.
Peter Sanin
Detroit Catholic Central
One of only four returners for CC to have played in 20 or more games last season. Sanin was a major contributor as a junior, finishing with 42 points for the Shamrocks. Seven of those points came during the team’s postseason run to a Division-I state championship. He’s a solid skater who’s strong on his feet, maintains good body position and is able to absorb contact while maintaining possession. Sanin doesn’t lose too many puck battles either.
Ian Kastamo
Hartland
Being a great player is impressive. Making players around you great is something very, very few are capable of doing. Whether he was on a line with Jake Pietila and L.J. Sabala, or Michael Zielinski and Luca DiGirolamo, Kastamo had a way of elevating his linemates. Hartland has talented players around Kastamo, I don’t mean to take anything away from the previously mentioned players. He just has a way of finding them in open ice, which gives teammates chances to make plays. That continued this fall playing for Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA), where he once again stood out as a top forward. Kastamo is a four-year letterman for Hartland with 72 career points, and my No. 1-ranked player returning to Michigan high school hockey this season.
That's it! There you have it. The fourth annual Top 100 Names to Know in Michigan high school hockey. I end the article every year the same way, with an impactful quote from The Office, of all things. "If you're on this list, prove me right. If you're not on this list, prove me wrong." Either way, I'll be your biggest fan! Good luck to everyone across the the state this season!
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