It’s been one of the more active offseasons in Michigan High School Hockey in terms of conference realignment and program movement. One of the more intriguing scenarios has been the South Central Hockey League’s (SCHL) acquisition of Jackson United — previously played in the Southeastern Conference — and independent co-op Sparta. This would mark the third straight year the field of teams in the SCHL has changed. Cap City departed after the ‘24-25 season and Lumen Christi left the year before that. With this summer’s additions, the SCHL has once again expanded to seven member teams.

What’s that mean to the rest of the league? Time will tell. Jackson ranked 58th in the state, according to MyHockeyRankings. Sparta finished 62nd, but no other SCHL program old or new came close to reigning champion Mattawan. The Wildcats ranked among some media outlets’ Top 25s at various points last season, and they return a wealth of key contributors. Mattawan’s rule over the SCHL may not be ending any time soon, regardless of who joins the league standings. 

Last Season’s Champion: Mattawan

Undefeated in SCHL play, but that doesn’t tell the complete story. While Mattawan did go 6-0-2, two of those wins were decided by just one goal. Add in the two ties and four of the five other teams in the league skated to within just one goal of the Wildcats. The top three scorers Griffin Davis, Ben Edington and George Nulty all went on to represent Team Michigan last spring. They’ve proved to be some of the best prospects in high school hockey today. Couple that trio with returning goalie Gavin Weich, and this 20-win team from a season ago has all the makings of another dominant season this winter.

Returning Players to Watch

Griffin Davis, Mattawan Junior Forward

Led the Wildcats in scoring last season. Helped West Michigan Varsity win a Tier-II USA Hockey national championship. Then made Team Michigan’s FR-SO team. Few in high school hockey have achieved what Griffin Davis has, and his career is only at the halfway point.

George Nulty, Mattawan Junior Forward

Everything I said about Davis applies to George Nulty as well. Mattawan Standout, check. Tier-II natty, check. Team Michigan, check. Oh, and they both are showing out in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this fall. 

Caden Olger, Eastside Senior Forward

He’s coming off of back-to-back 30-point seasons for the Stars. Caden Olger has a well-rounded skill set, showing his effectiveness in all three zones. Started last season on a 10-game point streak; look for Olger to get out to a fast start again this winter.

Ben Edington, Mattawan Senior Defenseman

One of the best defense prospects in high school hockey today. Ben Edington drew plenty of attention last season as a junior with 22 goals and 41 points from the blue line. If he and the Wildcats have the season I expect, that attention will continue to grow.

Isaiah Norwood, Jackson United Junior Defenseman

A point-per-game guy in his first varsity season, who got better and better as the campaign wore on. Isaiah Norwood was Jackson United’s top D-man last winter, and all indications are he should be depended on heavily once again. 

Robbie Park, Sparta Senior Goalie

He’ll have to improve upon his 2.97 goals-against average and .836 save percentage from a season ago but Robbie Park has the intangibles; he’s 6-foot-1 and pretty mobile. Watch him come into his senior year benefitting from last season’s experience of 22 games played.

Petey’s Prediction: Mattawan

They’ve got the best forwards in the SCHL, the best defenseman and the best goalie. Mattawan won 20 games last season and has claimed back-to-back SCHL titles. But as good as they were last winter, Portage and Kalamazoo United both tied the Wildcats in late January. Eastside nearly out-scored the eventual champs in a 7-6 offensive flurry in the SCHL finale. The Wildcats are the class of the league, but if you take your foot off the gas, someone here is going to pull the upset. SCHL teams have earned a reputation of flying under the radar, and there’s two more upset specials added to the equation. Both Sparta and Jackson have pulled off head-turning results in recent memory. Even with Mattawan as the heavy favorite, the drama will be aplenty.

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