2025 All-Senior Teams
Who wins in an East vs. West Battle of Top Players from the Class of 2025?
Craig Peterson
March 17, 2025
There's just too many high-quality players in the junior and senior classes to try and limit myself to 23 names. So, for the All-Junior and All-Senior Team selections, I divided the state into East and West teams geographically by U.S. 127 and Interstate 75. This pits the top prospects from the East against the Top prospects from the West in a hypothetical All-Star Game for Michigan high school hockey supremacy.
My criteria for the All-Senior Teams:
- Overall skill, ability and potential
- Impact and role they played to their respective team
- Performance and production
Who do you think wins the All-Senior All-Star Game?
FORWARDS
Tony Kauffman
L | 2006 | Caledonia
Brit Heinonen
L | 2007 | Jeffers
Oliver Owen
L | 2007 | EGR
Bennett Eisma
L | 2006 | Grandville
Caden Gleason
R | 2007 | Sparta
Tony Kauffman
L | 2006 | Caledonia
Brit Heinonen
L | 2007 | Jeffers
Oliver Owen
L | 2007 | EGR
Bennett Eisma
L | 2006 | Grandville
Caden Gleason
R | 20067| Sparta
Brayden Lewis
R | 2006 | Mattawan
James Albers
R | 2007 | EGR
Benton Rajala
L | 2007 | Jeffers
Jace DeForge
R | 2006 | Houghton
Josh Hooper
R | 2006 | GR Christian
Brayden Lewis
R | 2006 | Mattawan
James Albers
R | 2007 | EGR
Benton Rajala
L | 2007 | Jeffers
Jace DeForge
R | 2006 | Houghton
Josh Hooper
R | 2006 | GR Christian
Isaac Embury
R | 2007 | Lakeshore
Brendan Boberg
L | 2006 | Calumet
Braxton McKee
R | 2007 | Byron Center
Brady Ross
R | 2007 | EGR
Isaac Embury
R | 2007 | Lakeshore
Brendan Boberg
L | 2006 | Calumet
Braxton McKee
R | 2007 | Byron Center
Brady Ross
R | 2007 | EGR
Nolan Kaminski
L | 2007 | Salem
Dom Chaput
L | 2007 | Salem
Julian Johnston
R | 2007 | OLSM
Cade Sanborn
L | 2006 | Midland
Nolan Kaminski
L | 2007 | Salem
Dom Chaput
L | 2007 | Salem
Julian Johnston
R | 2007 | OLSM
Cade Sanborn
L | 2006 | Midland
Ian Kastamo
L | 2006 | Hartland
Peter Sanin
L | 2006 | DCC
Charlie Price
L | 2006 | M-1 United
Nick Timko
R | 2006 | Cranbrook
Dylan Blackwood
R | 2007 | De La Salle
Ian Kastamo
L | 2006 | Hartland
Peter Sanin
L | 2006 | DCC
Charlie Price
L | 2006 | M-1 United
Nick Timko
R | 2006 | Cranbrook
Dylan Blackwood
R | 2007 | De La Salle
Owen Hall
R | 2006 | Stevenson
Roman Villaire
R | 2007 | Brother Rice
Braeden McNamara
R | 2007 | Divine Child
Rory Sturos
R | 2005 | Howell
Kyle Lynch
R | 2006 | Clarkston
Owen Hall
R | 2006 | Stevenson
Roman Villaire
R | 2007 | Brother Rice
Braeden McNamara
R | 2007 | Divine Child
Rory Sturos
R | 2006 | Howell
Kyle Lynch
R | 2006 | Clarkston
Caledonia Forward Tony Kauffman
A combination of size, speed and a high motor that makes him highly effective from the wing. Tony Kauffman led Caledonia in scoring with 26 goals and 45 points this season, and is verbally committed to play for Davenport University in the fall.
Mattawan Forward Brayden Lewis
Despite joining the team in mid-December, Brayden Lewis still led Mattawan in scoring with 16 goals and 41 points. His first 3-5 strides are explosive, and his vision coupled with a high hockey IQ make Lewis a threat every time he’s on the ice.
Lakeshore Forward Isaac Embury
Became the first player in five years to lead the state in goals (47) and points (98). Isaac Embury factored in on 53.2 percent of Lakeshore’s total offense this season, recording multiple points in all but one game as the Badgers won more games in ‘24-25 than they had in the previous five seasons combined.
Jeffers Forward Brit Heinonen
Second in the state in points with 75, after leading Jeffers to a series of ‘firsts’ this season including Great Lakes Conference champions and Division-III regional champions, among others. Brit Heinonen scored a goal in all but three games this season for the Jets.
East Grand Rapids Forward James Albers
James Albers is a big-bodied power forward type with a heavy shot and a finisher’s touch. He led East Grand Rapids in goals with 19, and came up clutch in some of the biggest moments of the season with at least four game-winning goals.
Calumet Forward Brendan Boberg
Great skates in tight quarters and an ability to navigate through traffic at top speed. Four-year senior Brendan Boberg scored 13 goals and 31 points this season, finishing with points in 9 of Calumet’s final 12 games down the stretch.
East Grand Rapids Forward Oliver Owen
One-third of East Grand Rapids’ top line, Oliver Owen alone factored in on 45.2 percent of the team’s total offense. He opened the season with points in 10 of the first 11 games, and then accounted for half of the Pioneers’ offense in the playoffs as well.
Jeffers Forward Benton Rajala
A bit of a bulldog on the ice, applying relentless pressure and tracking down loose pucks. Benton Rajala scored 32 goals and 64 points, including eight during Jeffers’ playoff run that ended with the program’s first ever trip to Plymouth.
Byron Center Forward Braxton McKee
Opened the season with points in each of Byron Center’s first nine games, helping the Bulldogs to a 6-2-1 start. Braxton McKee elevated his game as a senior, becoming the team’s go-to guy offensively, leading with 20 goals nad 35 points.
Grandville Forward Bennett Eisma
Bennett Eisma is a work-hard forward with great effort and hockey IQ. He’s an extension of the coaching staff on the ice, playing a smart and highly effective style. Led the Bulldogs in scoring with 25 goals and 51 points as a first-year senior as well.
Houghton Forward Jace DeForge
Led Houghton in scoring with 20 goals and 39 points this season. It was the second time in Jace DeForge’s career that he eclipsed the 30-point plateau, doing so in ‘24-25 against the third toughest schedule in the state.
East Grand Rapids Forward Brady Ross
The ‘high-energy guy’ in East Grand Rapids’ lineup. Brady Ross is a compact forward who can be a pest on opposing defenders. He actually led East Grand Rapids in scoring in the regular season, and finished with 17 goals and 40 points to close out his varsity career.
Grand Rapids Christian Forward Josh Hooper
Josh Hooper is a very well-rounded two-way center who plays a responsible game. Much of his offense — 24 goals and 60 points — was sparked by good plays in the defensive zone first. Finished his three-year career with 132 points.
Sparta Forward Caden Gleason
Led the Spartans in scoring for a third straight season with 28 goals and 46 points. Caden Gleason propelled the team to its first regional championship in history with nine points through the first three playoff games as well.
Salem Forward Nolan Kaminski
This season’s Mr. Hockey, as voted on by the Michigan High School Hockey Coaches’ Association (MHSHCA). Nolan Kaminski scored 37 goals and 70 points in his first season of varsity hockey, saving some of his best performances for the game’s biggest stages.
Hartland Forward Ian Kastamo
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more well-rounded player in Michigan high school hockey than Ian Kastamo. This do-it-all center is as good defensively, supporting the play and initiating breakouts as he is generating offense and finding open guys.
Livonia Stevenson Forward Owen Hall
Impacts the game from the wing in a variety of ways that not many do at this level. Owen Hall led Livonia Stevenson in scoring with 24 goals and 54 points, and was one of the best non-center forwards in the state.
Salem Forward Dom Chaput
The straw that stirred the drink for Salem offensively. Dom Chaput was the guy pressing on the forecheck, winning 50-50 battles and tracking down pucks. Led the Rocks in scoring with 71 points, including 14 during the team’s four-game playoff run.
Detroit Catholic Central Forward Peter Sanin
Peter Sanin is a really responsible two-way center who’s rarely out of position. Capable of making some fancy plays but it’s the simple and effective ones that make him invaluable at this level. Finished his senior year with a second consecutive 30-point season for the top-ranked Shamrocks.
Brother Rice Forward Roman Villaire
Elevated his game down the stretch for Brother Rice, with points in 10 of the last 11 games. Roman Villaire is a finisher who led the Warriors goals (17) and assists (26), making him the team leader in points for a second straight season.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Forward Julian Johnston
Julian Johnston has a great understanding of the game and is visibly well coached. He’s constantly on the right side of the puck, great effort on every shift and super consistent. That led to nine goals and 40 points this season, leading OLSM to a D-III state title.
M-1 United Forward Charlie Price
So good defensively, that Charlie Price actually moved to the blue line mid-season after M-1 United started the campaign just 4-4-0 through eight games. The transition proved beneficial for him — scoring 21 goals and 46 points, and seeing a boatload of puck touches — as well as the team, finishing with a 17-10-0 record.
Divine Child Forward Braeden McNamara
Braeden McNamara has a really quick first couple of strides and showed signs of explosiveness in his stride. He’s fluid with the puck and looks like a natural with the play on his stick, eclipsing the 50-point mark in his career for the third straight season.
Midland Forward Cade Sanborn
Recorded a point in 16 of the team’s first 17 games of the season. Cade Sanborn displayed good puck skills and an ability to finish, with 24 goals and 41 points for Midland; the second time in as many seasons that he has reached that mark in his career.
Cranbrook Forward Nick Timko
I love Nick Timko’s skill set, combining great skating ability with smooth puck skills. To have a guy with that talent also play a responsible two-way game has made him invaluable in Cranbrook’s lineup for the last two seasons where Timko has totaled 78 points in his varsity career.
Howell Forward Rory Sturos
Rory Sturos has a good motor on the forecheck and a nose for the net. He goes long stretches at times with the puck on his stick, dictating the play. Led Howell in scoring with 44 points, including a point in four of the Highlanders’ five playoff games.
De La Salle Forward Dylan Blackwood
He’s got good size, north of 6-foot and plays heavy on the puck. Dylan Blackwood doesn’t need much room to get a high-quality shot off, proved positive by his team-leading 14 goals and 35 points for the Pilots.
Clarkston Forward Kyle Lynch
Very involved in the play, making his presence felt on virtually every shift. I appreciate the way he supports the play in the D-zone, but Kyle Lynch is also capable of producing offensively with 35 points for the second time in his varsity career.
DEFENSE
Gibson Grendel
R | 2007 | FHC
Josh DuMont
L | 2006 | Lumen Christi
Luke Weaver
L | 2008 | TC Central
Max Heinonen
L | 2007 | Hancock
Gibson Grendel
R | 2007 | FHC
Josh DuMont
L | 2006 | Lumen Christi
Luke Weaver
L | 2008 | TC Central
Max Heinonen
L | 2007 | Hancock
Eli Lipke
R | 2006 | FHC
Carson Mattern
R | 2006 | Mattawan
Kallen Ray
R | 2007 | TC West
Eli Lipke
R | 2006 | FHC
Carson Mattern
R | 2006 | Mattawan
Kallen Ray
R | 2007 | TC West
Justin Bloink
L | 2007 | DCC
Alex McCallum
L | 2007 | Northville
Ty Kraut
L | 2006 | Hartland
Sam Wolak
L | 2007 | DCC
Justin Bloink
L | 2007 | DCC
Alex McCallum
L | 2007 | Northville
Ty Kraut
L | 2006 | Hartland
Sam Wolak
L | 2007 | DCC
Isaac Nelson
R | 2007 | Northville
Logan Boettcher
R | 2006 | Saginaw Heritage
Cam George
L | 2075 | Brother Rice
Isaac Nelson
R | 2007 | Northville
Logan Boettcher
R | 2006 | Saginaw Heritage
Cam George
L | 2007 | Brother Rice
Forest Hills Central Defenseman Gibson Grendel
Played some of the best hockey in his three-year varsity career, leading Forest Hills Central in scoring with 32 points. Gibson Grendel put it all together in ‘24-25, combining his elite footwork and fantastic puck skills to produce career-high numbers goals (11) and assists (21).
Forest Hills Central Defenseman Eli Lipke
A big presence on the back end at 6-foot-2, and very fluid with the puck on his stick. Eli Lipke is a strong north-south skater who gets involved in the play in a variety of ways. His 17 goals and 30 points were among the most by a defenseman in the OK Conference.
Lumen Christi Defenseman Josh DuMont
Josh DuMont is not overly flashy with his puck skills and play-making ability from the back end. But he is a big presence with a long reach and keeps a tight gap in transition, making him a force against opposing puck carriers.
Mattawan Defenseman Carson Mattern
A real quarterback on the blue line for Mattawan. Carson Mattern moves the play along very efficiently and finds shooting lanes through traffic. He scored 10 goals and 37 points this season for the Wildcats, including a nine-game point streak.
Traverse City Central Defenseman Luke Weaver
Scored 15 of his 28 points in the final month of the season. Luke Weaver is long and rangy, getting up and down the ice with good pace. He plays a pretty physical style of hockey as well, making his presence felt along the walls.
Traverse City West Defenseman Kallen Ray
A real effective skater who makes plays with his head up, processing the situation at a high level. Kallen Ray led Traverse City West in points (34), reaching the 20-point plateau for the third time in his varsity career. Quietly had 10 multi-point games this season.
Hancock Defenseman Max Heinonen
Max Heinonen was one of the best defensemen in the U.P. this season, and a top guy for Hancock. He scored two goals and 14 points, but it was Heinonen’s presence and responsible play in the D-zone that resonated the most.
Detroit Catholic Central Defenseman Justin Bloink
Justin Bloink may have made his mark as the best defenseman in all of Michigan high school hockey as a first-year senior for Detroit Catholic Central. He’s cool, calm, collected with the puck on his stick, shows great escapability and dominant defensive skills.
Northville Defenseman Isaac Nelson
A man amongst boys, listed at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds while also being one of the best skating defensemen in the state. Isaac Nelson joined Northville just before Christmas, and scored three goals and six points in his first four games. He finished with 11 goals and 21 points from the back end.
Northville Defenseman Alex McCallum
Came in clutch for Northville, producing in bunches in some of the team’s biggest games this season. Alex McCallum led the Mustangs in scoring from the blue line with 40 points, including 13 against Top-25 opponents.
Saginaw Heritage Defenseman Logan Boettcher
Saginaw Heritage’s top option this season, Logan Boettcher led the team with 18 goals and 40 points. He’s been a four-year standout on the blue line for the Hawks, with his puck-moving ability and knack for making plays offensively.
Hartland Defenseman Ty Kraut
A top junior hockey prospect considering his size, skating ability and effort defensively. Ty Kraut is great 1-on-1 in transition, forcing turnovers and denying rushes. He also contributed quite a bit offensively with six goals and 24 points against the toughest schedule in the state.
Brother Rice Defenseman Cam George
Despite missing six games this season for Brother Rice, Cam George proved to be a point-per-game guy from the blue line. He’s a smooth-skating defenseman with a complete skill set, moving pucks and making smart plays in all three zones.
Detroit Catholic Central Defenseman Sam Wolak
A very well-rounded defender capable of impacting the game at both ends. Sam Wolak was a top option for Detroit Catholic Central in all facets, scoring eight goals and 34 points, including nine during the Shamrocks’ D-I state title run.
GOALIES
Brayden Melinn
L | 2007 | GR Christian
Trevor Vance
L | 2007 | Sparta
Owen Anderson
L | 2006 | Kalamazoo
Brayden Melinn
L | 2007 | GR Christian
Trevor Vance
L | 2007 | Sparta
Owen Anderson
L | 2006 | Kalamazoo
Henry Lansky
L | 2007 | Howell
Evan Sivi
L | 2006 | Trenton
Nash Leonard
L | 2007 | Bay City
Henry Lansky
L | 2007 | Howell
Evan Sivi
L | 2006 | Trenton
Nash Leonard
L | 2007 | Bay City
Grand Rapids Christian Goalie Brayden Melinn
Posted the second-best save percentage in the state (.947) while maintaining a 2.07 goals-against average as well. Brayden Melinn had three games of 50 or more saves, in which he went 2-0-1. Arguably the Eagles’ X-factor this season, keeping them in the hunt in all 20 starts.
Sparta Goalie Trevor Vance
One of the most amazing player development stories I’ve heard in hockey. Can you imagine what he might’ve looked like with a few more years of experience? Trevor Vance is big, athletic and still a pretty raw talent, winning 16 games for Sparta this season.
Kalamazoo Goalie Owen Anderson
Played some of his best hockey when Kalamazoo needed him most. Owen Anderson had a 1.96 goals-against average in the regular season, and managed to post even lower numbers (1.21) in the Eagles’ regional title run. He’s compact in net but super athletic and competes well.
Howell Goalie Henry Lansky
The best goalie in the state, named to the 2025 Michigan High School Hockey Coaches’ Association (MHSHA) Dream Team. Henry Lansky finished in the top five in wins (22), goals-against average (1.38) and save percentage (.945), posting video-game type numbers against the second-hardest strength of schedule.
Trenton Goalie Evan Sivi
Evan Sivi posted six shutouts this season — nearly half of his 13 wins — and gave up just one goal in five additional starts. His regional championship win over Temperance Bedford gave Sivi 50 over the course of his four-year career with Trenton.
Bay City Goalie Nash Leonard
The backbone of Bay City’s program for the last four seasons, Nash Leonard played in 15 or more games every year of his varsity career. His .943 save percentage in ‘24-25 was the best stretch of his 77-game career.
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