A versatile player that at one point even played D for the Wildcats last season, and played it well! He’s a big, athletic kid who’s strong on his skates, snaps pucks around and has a very heavy shot. I expect Winterstein to be a man on a mission this winter in Alpena.

Derksen forced his way onto Team Michigan last March with a tryout for the ages, ultimately becoming the team’s best option in net with a .938 save percentage and 2.00 goals-against average. He followed that up back-stopping the 3rd ranked Tier-2 team in the country this fall, and enters the season as a favorite for top ‘tendie in the state.

Fresh off a brief stint with the Pembroke Lumber Kings in the CCHL this fall, Story returns to the Caps as arguably the best goalie prospect in the state. He’s huge — almost 6-foot-5 — and freakishly athletic but its Story’s ability to track pucks and stay square, virtually eliminating the second- and third-chance opportunities.

He gets a ton of puck touches throughout the course of the game, which is great for Escanaba because few do it better than Bink. He’s smart, smooth and so calm when the game is in his hands. A four-year captain for the Eskymos with three consecutive 30-point seasons.

His top speed is pretty admirable. Not just that, but Arko can make dekes, navigate through traffic, and catch and receive passes without breaking stride. He flashes some slick hands too, which can make him tough to defend. Arko’s totaled 35 goals and 90 points in his varsity career.

Pietila plays with an attitude, right on the edge. He’s in control of the game every shift, dictating the flow of the play and can really be a thorn in the opponent’s side not just physically but mentally too. Ended his junior year with 18 points in the final 12 games Howell played en route to a D-I state final.

A very well-rounded player who may not be the best at any one skill set but certainly does everything better than most. I love Mielock’s vision and understanding of the game, as it may be his best asset. It allows him to make others around him better too, by putting them in positions where they can create and make plays as well.

His ability to flat out finish only got better this fall playing with 18U MHA Red. He led the fall team with 13 goals in 19 games, positioning himself as a top goal scorer in the state. Last winter was a record-setting season for Durbin, and after an offseason of improvements, it’s scary to think what he’s capable of achieving this winter.

I haven’t seen such a dominant, physically imposing player in high school hockey since Jake Beaune in the ’17-18 season for Livonia Stevenson. He’s just bigger, and better, and faster, and more skilled than everyone else on the ice. When he decides to go, there’s no stopping him. Storm is 6-foot-3 and attacks the net front like an NBA big man going up for a dunk. Storm is poised for a huge season with the Highlanders.

Cook is the most clutch player I’ve seen in high school hockey, going back 12-plus seasons. No stage is too bright, no moment too big, no game plan good enough to keep him from coming through for Powers when the game is on the line. He factored in on 13 of the Chargers’ 22 playoff goals, almost single-handedly willing his team to the D-II Final Four with a five-point performance — and the game-winning goal in overtime — to defeat Marquette 5-4 in the quarterfinals. He continued to come up with the big plays in the state final, did it for Team Michigan last spring and for MHA Red this fall. Everywhere he goes, every level he plays at, Cook seems to come through every time.