2023-24: Matthew Wagner, North Oakland

Isaac Embury scored 47 goals in 25 games this season for Lakeshore. He finished with one more goal than teammate Levi Young for tops in the state. Embury scored a goal in all but two games as a first-year senior for the Badgers. In his second game of the season, Embury scored three goals and two assists to help Lakeshore to an 8-5 win over East Kentwood. The victory snapped the program’s 42-game losing streak, and sparked the Badgers on a ‘24-25 season in which the team went 15-11-0. 

2023-24: Fisher Gurney, Grosse Ile

With 98 points, Isaac Embury became the first player In Michigan high school hockey to lead the state in both goals and points in a single season since Sebastian Smith did it with Pinckney in ‘19-20. Embury factored in on 53.2 percent of the team’s total offense, including a seven-game stretch where he contributed to 25 of the team’s 35 goals. He finished with 25 more points than the next highest player; the widest margin on record on the Hockey Hub. 

2023-24: Bryant lee, Houghton

Allowing just 33 goals against all season long, Detroit Catholic Central proved to be one of the most defensively sound teams in the state. It’s the second time in three seasons that the Shamrocks maintained the lowest goals-against average, at 1.32 in ‘24-25. CC goaltenders allowed one goal or fewer in 19-of-25 games this season, including seven shutouts. Senior goalie Joe Bedells led the way, posting an 18-2-0 record with a .903 save percentage.

2023-24: Zach Schalk, Bay City

In his second season behind the bench for Jeffers, coach Aaron Helminen led the Jets to a 21-4-0 record. Part of that run included a 9-1-0 record in Great Lakes Conference play, resulting in Jeffers claiming its first league championship since joining in ‘20-21. The Jets also recorded two wins over Top-25 teams and a win over Hancock — a team they hadn’t beaten since 2019. Helminen’s squad debuted in the Top 25 for the first time in the modern era, peaking at No. 14 in my last update. 

2023-24: Charlie Burchfield, Brighton

Three-year senior Josh Hooper led Grand Rapids Christian in scoring with 56 points in 24 games this season. It was his defensive efforts and discipline positionally that resonated with scouts most though. Playing a full 200-foot game, Hooper’s presence was felt all over the rink. Whether it be bearing down on opposing defenses on the forecheck or applying aggressive pressure on a backcheck, Hooper’s engagement and impact was felt in all three zones all season. 

2023-24: Kyle Lynch, Clarkston

In his first game of varsity hockey, 2007-born forward Nolan Kaminski scored three goals against Top 5-ranked Howell, lifting Salem past its KLAA opponent in a 4-2 win. After a stellar debut, Kaminski would go on to record points in 22 of the next 24 games. He transitioned to high school after playing for one of the best 16U AAA teams in the country last season. That experience helped Kaminski cement himself as a top prospect in Michigan high school hockey in ‘24-25. 

2023-24: Connor Raffaelli, Houghton

The best defenseman ‘by a billion miles’ one scout said. Justin Bloink led the top-ranked Shamrocks in scoring from the blue line with 31 points in 25 games. He was the first CC defenseman to lead the team in points in at least 13 years. Bloink’s smooth skating ability and calm demeanor allows him to make difficult plays look routine and effortless. A key penalty killer while also contributing nine points on the power play; Bloink excelled in all three facets of the game for Catholic Central.

2023-24: Ian Kastamo, Hartland

Arguably the best player in the state, as a two-way center who contributes heavily at both ends for No. 2-ranked Hartland. Ian Kastamo led the Eagles in points with 36 in 25 games, playing against the third toughest schedule in hockey. He did all this while serving one, two-minute minor penalty this season; the second straight time Kastamo has achieved that feat in his varsity career. A recipient of the award for the second consecutive season, Kastamo signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender with the El Paso Rhinos on Feb. 13th. He’s a front-runner for the State Champs! Player of the Year and a likely candidate for the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches’ Association (MHSHCA) Dream Team as well. 

2023-24: Cam LaBadie, Sault Ste. Marie

With a 1.42 goals-against average, Henry Lansky maintained the lowest mark amongst active goalies in the state this season. His .945 save percentage also ranked third amongst goalies with at least 10 games played, and Lansky posted all these numbers while playing against a Top-10 strength of schedule. He also posted an 11-3-2 record against teams that are currently in the Top 25 as a first-year senior for the Highlanders.

2023-24: Jackson Walsh, Detroit Catholic Central

A dominant performer in Michigan high school hockey, Ayden Cook — a second-year forward for Flint Powers — led the Chargers in goals (31) and points (61). Powers had a 20-1-0 record this season in games Cook got on the score sheet; something he made a habit of doing in bunches. Of the 24 games he played this season, Cook tallied multiple points in 16 of them and five multi-point games coming against Top-25 opponents. At 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, Cook is a crafty forward with the puck and an explosive skater, fueled by good footwork.