Winning a Red Division championship last season was the first time since ‘21-22 that Ann Arbor Pioneer claimed a Southeastern Conference (SEC) division title. They won 18 games; the most the program has won in six seasons. But all of that may have just been signs of even bigger things to come for Pioneer. 

The Pioneers could have as many as 12 seniors on the roster this winter, returning key contributors from a season ago like Max Khomutin, Sean Stone and Brendan Stone, to name a few. On top of that, four former AAA players could be added to the mix, strengthening the depth and talent for Pio.

In what looks like a ‘down year’ for most around the SEC, the Pioneers could be on the verge of their best season yet. 

Last Season’s Champion: Ann Arbor Pioneer, Chelsea/Dexter

Several key players return for the reigning Red Division winner Pioneer, including Khomutin, who led the team with 19 goals and 35 points as a junior. The Pioneers went 9-2-0 in the SEC last season, with just one loss to a divisional opponent (Saline). Hornets goaltender Jack Derksen stopped 98 of 102 shots faced in three games against Pioneer last season. He’ll be back for Saline this winter as well and will likely be the biggest obstacle standing in the Pioneers’ path of a repeat.

Chelsea and Dexter shared the White Division title in ‘24-25; marking the first time in seven seasons someone other than the Bulldogs claimed a portion of the top spot. This winter should once again be decided by the two games played between these two teams, but I don’t think it’s going to be a 1-1 split this time around. The Dreads lost nine seniors last spring, while Chelsea graduated just three. And while some might think that favors the Bulldogs, I’m not so quick to jump on the train. They’ve got a 6-foot-3 void to fill in net, after Luke Webster put a bow on his illustrious four-year career. He played 72 varsity games and only lost one SEC matchup during his tenure. I don’t know how they replace Webster, but it’s going to be a tall task for anyone.

Returning Players to Watch

Jacob Corcoran, Chelsea Senior Forward

A four-year guy for the Bulldogs, Corcoran has 52 goals and 84 career points. He finished third in the SEC in scoring last season, and may just put together his best campaign yet this winter.

Max Khomutin, Ann Arbor Pioneer Senior Forward

Twenty-one of his 35 points last season came in non-SEC games. That speaks to how well Khomutin stacks up against competition from around the state. If the Pioneers are to have the success I expect them to, he’ll certainly be a big reason for it.

Jeremy Schroeder, Dexter Senior Forward

The top scorer in the SEC last season with 33 goals and 61 points. Schroeder is a finisher, and he’s coming off of a really successful fall campaign with the Michigan Steel. Look for him to start the season hot out of the gate.

Wyatt Church, Saline Senior Defenseman

A bigger defenseman who skates well and moves pucks. He was also the highest scoring defenseman in the conference as a junior with 34 points. Saline’s top-end guys like Church make the Hornets a sneaky contender in the SEC.

Nolan Kreske, Ann Arbor Pioneer Senior Defenseman

The Pioneers’ defensive unit wasn’t really a strength or weakness for the team last season. But with returners like Conor Edwards and Austin Amaro, this group could prove to be a real asset with Kreske at the forefront. 

Jack Derksen, Saline Senior Goalie

Potentially the best goalie in the state. Derksen is coming off of one of the best offseasons in recent memory. He played his way into Team Michigan last spring and had a monster fall with Michigan Steel. That momentum snowballs into a huge winter for the 6-foot-4 prospect.

Petey’s Prediction: Ann Arbor Pioneer, Dexter

I’m all in on Pioneer this season. But beware of my Saline Hornets in the SEC this season. They may not be as deep as the Pioneers but they’ve got playmakers at all three levels, and maybe the best player in the state at the most important position in the game. Derksen gives Saline a chance to win every time he takes the net. Church is a cornerstone defenseman at this level, and Antonio Giacalone up front is an offensive threat with 90 career points in 78 varsity games. His senior season may be his best yet, looking to produce a fourth straight 25-point season for the Hornets. 

Dexter lost a lot by way of graduation last season. While most indicators would suggest their 21-win campaign last winter was a flash in the pan thanks to a strong senior class, I’m actually buying into the Dreads’ success long-term. They lost senior goalie Cade Stock, and 63 percent of their scoring but I’m buying into what third-year coach Kenny Grundy is building in Dexter. Leading scorer Jeremy Schroeder returns as well, which should help stabilize a slight rebuild/reload process. I don’t expect them to match their win total from a season ago, but Dexter should absolutely factor into the SEC championship equation this winter.

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