I don’t recall a single player in recent memory who had achieved so much and made such a name for himself in Michigan high school hockey ahead of his senior year quite like Ayden Cook. For the last 18 months, everywhere he’s played, he’s been the best player on the ice.

Last fall, Cook led Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) 18U Red in scoring with 14 points in eight games. He dominated the ‘24-25 season with 31 goals and 61 points, adding an additional 13 points during Flint Powers’ Division-II state championship run. Cook was named to the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches’ Association (MHSHCA) Dream Team and selected to Team Michigan in the spring. He was selected in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) Entry Draft last June. He dominated for MHA Red again this fall, and he’s set to return to the Chargers for his senior season?!

What’s left for him to accomplish?

I don’t have a vote, but if I did, it’d take a lot for me to put anyone other than Cook down for 2026 Mr. Hockey, and we haven’t even played a game this season.

He is the most dangerous player I’ve seen with an open look at the net. He’s the most clutch finisher, coming through time and time again with the game-winning moment. He shines on the game’s biggest stages. And, unfortunately for the seven other Saginaw Valley League (SVL) teams, they’ll have to deal with him one more time. 

Last Season’s Champion: Flint Powers

If getting Cook back from your state championship winning team a season ago wasn’t enough, how about his ‘sergeant at arms’ Parker Bendall too? Cook’s been the benefactor of several passes and plays set up by the three-year senior. Oh, and how about a younger, 2.0 version of the Mr. Hockey candidate? Owen Perry scored 26 goals and 66 points as a freshman playing in Cook’s wake last season. He looks every bit as talented and dangerous as his senior counterpart was just two seasons ago. And to top it all off, we’ll throw in the unsung hero of the Chargers’ championship run, goaltender Hunter Clark, who played in 27 games as a junior.

There’s some big names coming back in the SVL, for just about everyone in the league. But as much as I like prospects like Logan Beckwith, Caden Nemeth, Joey McFarland and Andrew Partipilo, the Chargers just return too much for Genesee, Midland, Bay City or Dow to match. 

Returning Players to Watch

Ayden Cook, Flint Powers Senior Forward

Game on the line, there’s no one else I’d rather have. As a fan of high school hockey, I’m very interested to see what Cook — and the Chargers — do for an encore this season. Don’t look now, but they just might be the No. 1 team in the state.

Parker Bendall, Flint Powers Senior Forward

Bendall is a playmaker, who’s able to facilitate and help feed all the mouths in this offense. Without his effort along the walls, dirty work below the goal line and compete in the face-off circles, this Powers offense could look a lot different.

Owen Perry, Flint Powers Sophomore Forward

His growth from Year 1 to Year 2 has been noticeable. Perry looked to be a player in control of the game, dominating 16U action for MHA this past fall. Watch him start to grow into more of a primary scoring threat, with an ability to create opportunities of his own.

Logan Beckwith, Genesee Senior Defenseman

Beckwith does it all for Genesee, playing forward and D and impacting the game in various ways. He scored 29 goals and 71 points as a first-year junior, scoring a point in all but one game and having a hand in more than half of the team’s offense.

Max Johnston, Bay City Senior Defenseman

The Wolves are going to be young this season, with some newcomers as well. Johnston’s experience will be his biggest asset, with 72 games at the varsity level. He can provide a steady presence on the blue line while the rest of the lineup acclimates to the speed of the game.

Andrew Partipilo, Midland Junior Goalie

Partipilo played in 17 games as a sophomore last season, including the Chemics’ playoff run. He made 30 or more saves eight times, and may be leaned on quite a bit again this season after Midland graduated five of its tops six scorers.

Petey’s Prediction: Flint Powers

I’ve run out of things to say about coach Travis Perry’s group. They’re going to win the SVL for a sixth straight time. But the rest of the picture is quite murky. Beckwith may be the biggest impact player in the league not wearing blue and orange. But can Brennan Bernard and Matthew Morgan add enough to separate the Generals from Saginaw Heritage, Bay City and the Midland schools?

Bay City could get a big boost with a couple additions from the AAA world, and senior Owen Grendel brings optimism to the goalie position. But both Midland and Midland Dow should return their starting goalies from a season ago as well, and senior Caden Nemeth may be the best player in town. So while the top spot is obvious, the rest of the rankings leave a ton to be decided, and could provide plenty of drama amongst teams jockeying for position.  

Check out Petey’s Picks on Instagram for complete conference standings projections!