Bode Farr was a standout on the Tier-2 circuit last fall. The 6-foot forward won a Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) state title with the 18U Metro Jr. Jets, led Utica Eisenhower to a 18-win season and then finished off the ‘24-25 campaign with an appearance at the 2025 USA Hockey Nationals. But that wasn’t enough for the budding 2007-born prospect. No, Farr continued to push himself against the best that Michigan high school hockey has to offer by tryout out for the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) this summer. Not only did Farr make the league — where he’s in the top five in scoring — he also earned a spot on the league’s tournament team roster that competed in Minnesota last month.

I point out Farr’s personal pursuit of growth and development because in a lot of ways, it’s a microcosm of the very same maturation process the Eisenhower program is experiencing.

Ike finished the season ranked 41st in the state, winning a Division-I regional title. And with key returners like Farr, Sawyer Hotchkiss and Connor Holmes slated to be back a year later, the Eagles could’ve very easily rested on their laurels and looked to simply repeat success from a season ago. Instead, Farr and Holmes inserted themselves into the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL). Hotchkiss and Matthew Daoust played for the No. 3-ranked Tier-2 18U team in the state. Mix in-season success with off-season development, and you start drawing more high-level players, like former AAA prospects Nathan Schilkey and Joey Zelenak. Eisenhower is on the rise, and could go several lines deep. That makes them a real contender on the statewide circuit. 

Last Season’s Champion: Utica Eisenhower, SCS Unified

Eisenhower went 5-1-0 in MAC Red action; the lone blemish being a one-goal loss at the hands of second-place Romeo. They managed to just split four games against opponents from the White Division, going 2-2-0 against Anchor Bay, L’Anse Creuse Unified, Marysville and St. Clair Shores Unified. The conference was highly contested, with just 50 spots separating the highest ranked team (Chippewa Valley, 40th) from the lowest ranked team (Utica Ford Unified, 91st). This season should prove to be more of the same, as several key players return for all eight member teams.

White Division champ SCS Unified went undefeated in divisional play. But as good as the Lakers were against those opponents, they struggled mightily outside this group of four teams. A 1-3-0 record against MAC Red teams and a 9-7-0 record against non-conference opponents. The Lakers can replicate success from their 15-win season last winter, especially when considering they return their top three scorers. But for SCS to really make their mark on the state, they’ve gotta win games outside the division.  

Returning Players to Watch

Bode Farr, Utica Eisenhower Senior Forward

A big-bodied forward who gets up and down the ice with pace, maintaining good position in all three zones. I like his instincts, and when the competition ramped up in the MDHL, Farr proved more than capable with 17 points in 10 games.

Cam Staskowski, Chippewa Valley United Senior Forward

Staskowski has led the team in scoring for two straight seasons, and as a top returner in the MAC, could lead Chip Valley yet again this winter. He’s strong defensively, which allows him to initiate opportunities offensively as well.

Luke Thick, Marysville Senior Forward

Maybe the biggest story coming out of Team Michigan last spring. Thick took tryouts by storm, playing with pace and impacting the game with every shift. He’s an impact player to keep an eye on and maybe the best prospect in the conference.

Zach Delmonte, SCS Unified Senior Defenseman

There’s a lot of urgency and effort offensively from Delmonte. He’s got good hands and feet that work in rhythm. I would like to see his game grow in the D-zone, with crisp retrievals and moving pucks faster from the back end. 

Zhane Austin, Chippewa Valley United Senior Defenseman

I’m hearing Austin may be the best defenseman in the MAC this season. The third-year senior scored three goals and 15 points last winter, but could see a huge boost in production for Chip Valley in ‘25-26 if he continues to develop. 

Connor Holmes, Utica Eisenhower Senior Goalie

Posted a 12-7-0 record with a save percentage north of .930 as a junior. Holmes had a strong offseason, competing at the Team Michigan Festival in the spring and then playing in the MDHL this fall as well. 

Petey’s Prediction: Utica Eisenhower, SCS Unified

The MAC may be the closest top to bottom than any other conference in the state. I could see as many as six or seven of the eight teams in the conference push for a championship this winter. Ike is the clear cut favorite in the Red Division, bringing back arguably the two most important players in the conference in Farr and Holmes. The Eagles also stand to add multiple former AAA players to the mix. Sawyer Hotchkiss — the team’s leading scorer from a season ago — should be back as well. Eisenhower isn’t just the favorite to be the best team in the MAC, the Eagles could make a push up the state rankings as well and be a strong contender come playoff time.

The Red Division is littered with landmines though. Chip Valley has some threats mentioned above. Romeo, despite graduating 10 seniors, has had something to say about the MAC championship picture each of the last six seasons. Plus, I love Utica Unified’s top goal scorer Alexander Gorgievski. 

The White Division may be even more wide open, because there’s no clear front runner. St. Clair Shores Unified returns its top three scorers, top defenseman and starting goalie. But Marysville may have the best player on the eastside in Thick, and L’anse Creuse Unified and Anchor Bay return key players as well. Gavin McKee, Caden Gersch and Isaiah Pikora provide a three-pronged offensive attack that put the Lakers out in front, and the odds-on favorite to win the division.

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