As back-to-back Big North Conference (BNC) champions — and winners of three of the last four — it’s evident that the road to the top of the standings goes through Alpena. The Wildcats are expecting plenty of returners as well, including Ethan Walker, Beckham Winterstein, Trevor Worth, Brody Misiak and Owen Van Dusen. That’s five of the team’s top seven producers from a season ago, and they accounted for almost half of all goals scored in ‘25-26 as underclassmen.

The Wildcats are poised to once again contend for the BNC, but both Traverse City Central and Traverse City West boast a bevvy of key returners as well. What about Petoskey coming in off a 20-win season? Traditional programs like Gaylord and Sault Ste. Marie both with first-year coaches, could they potentially breathe new life into two long-standing Michigan high school hockey programs?

One thing’s for certain; expect good competition in the BNC. Whether a team’s loaded with three lines, or just scraping by with a standout goal scorer. Games are close, upsets are real, talent is high and the coaching is phenomenal. 

Last Season’s Champion: Alpena

The Wildcats went 11-1-0 in BNC action last season, splitting a pair of games with TC Central. Leading scorers Gavin Winterstein and Clark Weir have gone and graduated, but a good chunk of the roster from its 20-win team still remains. Senior D-man Ethan Walker is one of the best north of M-10, and has 70 career points in 77 games with the Wildcats. Beckham Winterstein is back too, after one of the most productive freshman campaigns in recent memory. Eighteen of his 27 points came after the New Year, and I expect him to pick up right where he left off.

Could the Trojans give Alpena fits once again this season? Absolutely. In fact, Central returns two of its top goal scorers and a starting goalie with two years of experience. All three of which played significant roles in the 3-1 win over Alpena last December.

Returning Players to Watch

Robert Councilor, Traverse City West Senior Forward

A point-per-game guy last season for the Titans. A young TC West team will look to Robert Councilor to lead the group on and off the ice. If the Titans are a contender this season, it’ll be because Councilor had a big campaign. 

Zander Folgmann, Traverse City Central Junior Forward

There are some people suggesting Zander Folgmann is the best high school hockey player in the state right now. I’m not ready to buy that hype just yet, but bold opinions like that absolutely make him one to watch this season in the BNC.

Blake Weaver, Traverse City Central Junior Forward

Alongside Folgmann, the Trojans have a stellar offensive tandem. Blake Weaver scored 14 goals and 27 points last season, making him and Folgmann the highest producing duo returning to the BNC this winter.

Ethan Walker, Alpena Senior Defenseman

He’s been a top prospect from the Class of 2027 for four years now. Ethan Walker is a good skater who moves pucks with confidence and makes plays in all three zones. Has been, and will continue to be one of the best defensemen in the conference.

Anderson Ward, Petoskey Senior Defenseman

Three consecutive 30-point seasons and back-to-back 40-point campaigns. Anderson Ward is one of just 20 Michigan high school hockey defensemen in the modern era to score 100-plus career points. With 117 points, Ward is 17th all-time among players since 2010.

Carter Schlegel, Traverse City Central Senior Goalie

Both Carter Schlegel and Jace Kimbrell are back in goal for the Trojans. Both played in more than 15 games last season with Schlegel (eight wins) and Kimbrell (six) maintaining roles in goal. Expect that to continue throughout their senior years.

Petey’s Prediction: Traverse City Central

Alpena’s the favorite, and certainly a safer pick considering the championship likely comes down to the Wildcats and TC Central once again. But some are calling Folgmann one of the best forwards in the entire state. Kimbrell has been training at a high level with Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA). Blake Weaver, Jaxson Soper… Chris Givens is one of the best high school hockey coaches of all-time. You give him a high-end prospect, solid goaltending and depth, and I think this Trojans team has a chance to do something special this season.

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