New for this season, the 10-team Macomb Area Conference (MAC) will be divided into three divisions. Chippewa Valley United, Utica Eisenhower, Utica-Fraser Unified and Romeo make up the Red Division while the White Division consists of St. Clair Shores Unified, L’Anse Creuse Unified, Anchor Bay and Marysville. Grosse Pointe North and Port Huron Unified will compete against one another in the Blue Division.

Split geographically, teams in the Red and White Divisions will play home-and-home series during the ‘24-25 season. They will also play one crossover game against each opponent in the opposite division. 

Last Season’s Champion: Romeo, Marysville

The conference format has changed slightly from last season where it named two division champions. With a 6-1-1 record in Red Division action, Romeo was the best among its group of five. In the White Division, Marysville went undefeated with a 7-0-1 record. Head-to-head, the Bulldogs defeated Marysville 5-2 if you wanted to name an all encompassing, de facto MAC champion. However, speculation on who is the best in ‘24-25 will not be necessary. The Red Division champion will go head-to-head with the White Division champion on Feb. 8th with the title of conference champion on the line.

Both Romeo and Marysville could very much be factors in the quest for a clear cut champion. The Bulldogs graduated just six players, and could return as many as four of their top five scorers from a season ago. Similar story for the Vikings who lost just four seniors, and return Ben LaValley, who finished 11th in the state in points last season.

Returning Players to Watch

Nate Hall, Chippewa Valley United Senior Forward

He missed the first half of the season as a junior, but still put up 10 goals and 17 points in just 11 games. It’s no coincidence that Hall’s addition to the roster directly coincides with Chip Valley’s hot streak to end the season. A full slate of games could spell trouble for opponents.

Ben LaValley, Marysville Senior Forward 

Nobody scored more goals or points in the MAC than LaValley last season… and he’s back. Thirty-one of his 60 points came against conference foes, and his senior year could prove to be the best of his four-year high school career.

Cam Staskowski, Chippewa Valley United Junior Forward

He’s the straw that stirs the drink for Chip Valley, in my opinion. Staskowski is busy on the forecheck, responsible defensively, and does everything else in between. Led the team in points as a sophomore with 44, and if he continues to perform at that clip, look out.

Matt Daoust, Utica Eisenhower Junior Defenseman 

The Eagles stand to make a huge turnaround in ‘24-25 from their seven-win season last winter. Similarly, Daoust could see a significant bump in his production in Year 2 with the program as well. He’s got good puck skills, nice footwork, and both he and Ike are in position for a big year.

Zach Delmonte, St. Clairs Shores Unified Junior Defenseman 

He looked good playing in the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this fall, and has some natural ability with and without the puck. I really like his gap control through the neutral zone, but his 11 goals and 24 points as a sophomore weren’t bad either.

Will Young, St. Clair Shores Unified Goalie

A tournament team goalie for the MDHL this fall, Young has shown he’s capable of playing at a high level. The 6-foot-2 junior should give the Lakers a chance to win on a nightly basis and significantly build upon his 11-8-1 career record.

Petey’s Prediction: Chippewa Valley United

I don’t know if anyone in the MAC was playing better hockey down the back stretch of last season than Chippewa Valley United. Winners of 13 of their last 14 games before ultimately being eliminated by Romeo in the Regional Final. Now, do I expect momentum like that to roll over from season to season? No. But heavy hitters Cam Staskowski, Kevin Dolney and Nate Hall are all back. That’s 40 percent of their offense right there. If Chip Valley can improve its team goals-against average of 3.08 by even the smallest of margins, it could really take them to another level. 

Check out Petey’s Picks on Instagram for complete conference standings projections!