There isn’t a substitute for experience, particularly game experience. As we near the 2024-25 Michigan high school hockey season, there are quite a few goalie prospects that are impressively well traveled. Here are the top 10 active goalies with the most games played.

In the mix: Riley Demeester (35), Michael Beals (34), Cayden Geurts (34), Parker Stalcup (34),

Daniel Petrusev (33), Patrick Doran (33), Noah Wakefield (32), Will Keane (32) and Trevor Vance (31).

38, De La Salle Senior Gavin Szalkowski

Gavin Szalkowski played in 21 games as a freshman for Petoskey, with a 16-5-0 record. The following season, he played for Victory Honda’s 16U AAA team before transferring to De La Salle last season. As a junior, he played in 20 games for the Pilots, with a 9-8-2 record. His 2.12 goals-against average and .932 save percentage were among the best in Michigan high school hockey’s top league, the MIHL.

39, Grandville Junior Ayden Karas

One of two 2008-born goalies on the list, Ayden Karas has been the primary option for Grandville since he debuted in the ‘22-23 season. A bit undersized even as a sophomore, but his skill set is well-rounded. A .802 save percentage and 14-21-1 record do not tell the full story. He has nice footwork and a willingness to battle; Karas’ ability in net goes beyond his numbers.  

45, Chelsea Senior Luke Webster

Arguably the most junior ready prospect on this list as we project past this upcoming season. Luke Webster is a large figure in net at 6-foot-3 and very fluid in his movements. Plus, he’s got sick pads. Webster looks the part of a top high school goalie prospect. His career .931 save percentage and 1.86 goals-against average over the span of three seasons are solid as well.

49, Grand Rapids Christian Senior Brayden Melinn

He’s played 12 or more games in every season, against some pretty tough competition. Grand Rapids Christian has played a Top-25 schedule each of the past two seasons, and Brayden Melinn has won 22 of his 35 starts. He maintains a career .909 save percentage and a 26-15-1 record overall.

51, Lumen Christi Senior Zachary Jaakkola

He’s played in all but one game for Lumen Christi since joining the program as a sophomore. Zach Jaakkola is a former Biggby Hockey AAA goaltender, now one of the most consistent performers in Michigan high school hockey. Eight career shutouts and back-to-back 17-win seasons, as well as a top performer in the MDHL.

52, Grand Blanc Junior Carson Balow

Reports suggest he’s bound for the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), but Carson Balow does have two years of high school eligibility left. He was Grand Blanc’s best option in net each of the last two seasons, playing all but six minutes of his freshman year. Balow is expected to join the Cincinnati Cyclones this fall. They went 3-40-1 last season, finishing last in the Great Lakes Division and having to replace at least 56.8 percent of its team’s starts in goal.

53, Bay Area Thunder Senior William Gallagher

The 2006-born goaltender has played 15 or more games in every season of his varsity career. William Gallagher’s 3.26 goals-against average and .898 save percentage last season as a junior were the best marks of his long tenure. Helping the Bay Area Thunder to 11 wins last season was the most in the program’s history on record, going back to at least the 2012-13 season.

54, Escanaba Junior Cully Hayes

My personal favorite, Cully Hayes has arguably the highest ceiling of anyone on this list of tendies. Do not judge this budding prospect on his .881 save percentage or 3.34 goals-against average; he’s far more talented than the numbers will tell you. Hayes has good size and swift footwork, but has spent most of his career playing behind a very young roster of as few as 10-12 players on any given night. 

55, Bay City Senior Nash Leonard

Nash Leonard’s biggest season may be ahead of him. He’s played 13 or more games each of the past three seasons, but has had a growingly talented lineup in front of him throughout. Bay City graduated some of its biggest contributors last spring, though, and the Wolves may lean on Leonard more as a senior than they ever have before.

66, Allen Park Senior Jack Miller

Reports indicate Jack Miller could be on the move this fall as well. By all accounts, sounds like he’s heading to the 18U Tier-II SISU Thunderbirds. If true, it would close the book on a three-year varsity career with Allen Park, in which he played more games in the last three seasons than anybody. If he does return, Miller could finish among the most in terms of games played in Michigan high school hockey history.