No team in Michigan has gone unblemished through a high school hockey season since Trenton went a perfect 28-0-0, winning a state title and ranking No. 1 in the country. Detroit Catholic Central has come close on several occasions, chasing perfection as close as you can get. A 29-1-0 record in ‘22-23 followed by another 29-1-0 record the next season and a 28-2-0 record two years ago. Over that four-year span, the Shamrocks have only lost to an in-state school on one occasion — last November 2-1 at the hands of Hartland. 

The Shamrocks could return as many as 11 players from last season’s squad; far and away their largest number of returners year-over-year since before COVID. They’ve made a habit of graduating 15, 16, SEVENTEEN seniors each spring but simply reload the chamber each year. That’s not the case this winter. Sam Masek enters his fourth season with the program. Sean Goff, Lucas Szmagaj and Jackson Leiter set to begin their third season. 

The divide between CC and the rest of the state only continues to grow. There may not be another team in the state this season that can keep it within two goals of the Shamrocks. Forget winning; just don’t get blown out! So they’ll go undefeated in-state once again and win a record eighth straight Division-I state title. That’s likely 25 of the team’s games right there. Shamrocks have two trips out-of-state to New York and Minnesota, and I’d anticipate drawing two out-of-state opponents at the annual MIHL Showcase as well. So the path to perfection comes down to these three weekends. Can they go 33-and-oh?

Last Season’s Champion: Detroit Catholic Central

Cranbrook is going to be an interesting team to watch. Coach John LaFontaine kept the Cranes in a tight one with CC last season, losing 1-0 with a big performance in net. Well, 6-foot-5 Lithuanian goalie prospect Arnas Abramavicius is slated to join Cranbrook this season and just might provide an even bigger showing, literally. He’s massive and talented, posting a 1.02 goals-against average and 95.9 save percentage in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL). 

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s took the Shamrocks to overtime last January as well, and despite graduating several key contributors should be seen as a strong statewide contender yet again. Four-year forward Thad Raynish leads the charge, with Daniel Ramos and Emmett Pilch helping the cause. The Eaglets just might make it three trips in a row to the D-III final.

Returning Players to Watch

Brett Allen, Trenton Senior Forward

On a team loaded with offensive threats, Brett Allen emerged as the go-to-guy in the Trojans’ offense last season. He then cemented himself as a top prospect by making Team Michigan, and is in line for a huge senior campaign.

Drake Spring, Brother Rice Senior Forward

He has a well-rounded game and does a little bit of everything really well. Drake Spring is hard on pucks, heavy on a forecheck, makes smooth plays and shows an ability to finish. Only had seven goals and 17 points last season but I’m expecting a big jump from him and the Warriors.

Michael Taucher, Riverview Gabriel Richard Senior Forward

Led the Pioneers in scoring with 18 goals and 36 points. Two-thirds of those points came in MIHL games. RGR will need more of that from Michael Taucher if they are to improve upon their 14-15-1 record from the team’s first season in the league.

Sam Masek, Detroit Catholic Central Senior Defenseman

Sam Masek has a chance to make high school hockey history by winning four straight state titles and playing more career varsity games than anyone ever. He’s played 87 games in three seasons with potential to see as many as 119 — four more than the all-time record. 

Myles Schlack, Detroit Catholic Central Senior Defenseman

More than half of his points last season came during the team’s playoff run. Myles Schlack doesn’t put up big numbers, but he impacts the game tremendously in the way he defends, skates and takes away space from the opponent. 

Nicholas Kogut, Detroit Catholic Central Senior Goalie

A real rangy and athletic goaltender who covers a lot of ground with fluid movements. Nicholas Kogut just might become the first player to repeat as State Champs! Wall Award winner if he replicates his 1.47 goals-against average and 92.2 save percentage. 

Petey’s Prediction: Detroit Catholic Central

I’m very curious how Trenton looks in its MIHL matchup with CC on Jan. 20th. The Trojans have lost this game by four goals — or more — each of the last five seasons. I’m hopeful that first-year head coach Andrew Sawyer can breathe new life into the program in the midst of its longest state championship drought in history. They don’t have to win this game to prove they’re making strides. A strong showing here could serve as proof positive that this team is capable of a Division-II playoff run under a new regime.

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