All-Junior Team Selections

Highlighting Top Players from the Class of 2025 in a Battle of East vs. West

PeteysPicks
Craig Peterson

March 16, 2024

East-vs-West-Juniors

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-Junior Teams:

  1. Overall skill, ability and potential
  2. Impact and role they played to their respective team
  3. Performance and production

Who do you think wins the All-Junior All-Star Game?

FORWARDS

Byron-Center-Logo
Braxton McKee

R | 2007 | Byron Center

Calumet hockey logo
Brendan Boberg

L | 2006 | Calumet

East Grand Rapids Hockey Script Gold
Oliver Owen

L | 2007 | East Grand Rapids

Portage-Muskies-Logo
Cayden Stasienko

R | 2006 | Portage

Byron-Center-Logo
Braxton McKee

R | 2007 | Byron Center

Calumet hockey logo
Brendan Boberg

L | 2006 | Calumet

East Grand Rapids Hockey Script Gold
Oliver Owen

L | 2007 | East Grand Rapids

Portage-Muskies-Logo
Cayden Stasienko

R | 2006 | Portage

Houghton hockey logo
Jay Halonen

R | 2007 | Houghton

East Grand Rapids Hockey Script Gold
James Albers

R | 2007 | East Grand Rapids

Byron-Center-Logo
Luke Philo

L | 2006 | Byron Center

GRChristian
Josh Hooper

R | 2006 | GR Christian

Sparta Logo KL1_SF
Caden Gleason

L | 2007 | Sparta

Houghton hockey logo
Jay Halonen

R | 2007 | Houghton

East Grand Rapids Hockey Script Gold
James Albers

R | 2007 | East Grand Rapids

Byron-Center-Logo
Luke Philo

L | 2006 | Byron Center

GRChristian
Josh Hooper

R | 2006 | GR Christian

Sparta Logo KL1_SF
Caden Gleason

L | 2007 | Sparta

Houghton hockey logo
Jace DeForge

R | 2007 | Houghton

Cap-City-Logo
Will Tucker IV

L | 2007 | Cap City

ForestHillsN-E
Sean Hall

L | 2007 | FHNE

ReethsPuffer
Tyler Tindall

L | 2007 | Reeths-Puffer

Houghton hockey logo
Jace DeForge

R | 2007 | Houghton

Cap-City-Logo
Will Tucker IV

L | 2007 | Cap City

ForestHillsN-E
Sean Hall

L | 2007 | FHNE

ReethsPuffer
Tyler Tindal

L | 2007 | Reeths-Puffer

Brother Rice hockey logo
Roman Villaire

R | 2006 | Brother Rice

Cranbrook Logo
Nick Timko

R | 2006 | Cranbrook

Detroit Catholic Central (DCC) hockey logo
Peter Sanin

L | 2006 | DCC

LenaweeUnited
Rhett Micallef

R | 2007 | Lenawee United

DivineChild
Braeden McNamara

R | 2007 | Divine Child

Brother Rice hockey logo
Roman Villaire

R | 2006 | Brother Rice

Cranbrook Logo
Nick Timko

R | 2006 | Cranbrook

Detroit Catholic Central (DCC) hockey logo
Peter Sanin

L | 2006 | DCC

LenaweeUnited
Rhett Micallef

R | 2007 | Lenawee United

DivineChild
Braeden McNamara

R | 2007 | Divine Child

Hartland hockey logo
Ian Kastamo

L | 2006 | Hartland

Clarkston hockey logo
Kyle Lynch

L | 2006 | Clarkston

Hartland hockey logo
Drew L'Esperance

R | 2007 | Hartland

M-1-United-Logo
Charlie Price

R | 2006 | M-1 United

FreelandNouvelValley
Cade Doud

R | 2006 | FNV

Hartland hockey logo
Ian Kastamo

L | 2006 | Hartland

Clarkston hockey logo
Kyle Lynch

L | 2006 | Clarkston

Hartland hockey logo
Drew L'Esperance

R | 2007 | Hartland

M-1-United-Logo
Charlie Price

R | 2006 | M-1 United

FreelandNouvelValley
Cade Doud

R | 2006 | FNV

Clarkston hockey logo
Ron Wade

R | 2006 | Clarkston

Livonia Stevenson hockey logo
Owen Hall

R | 2006 | Stevenson

Orchard Lake St. Mary's (OLSM) hockey logo
Julian Johnston

R | 2007 | OLSM

Riverview Gabriel Richard hockey logo
Tony Venturini

L | 2007 | Gabriel Richard

Clarkston hockey logo
Ron Wade

R | 2006 | Clarkston

Livonia Stevenson hockey logo
Owen Hall

R | 2006 | Stevenson

Orchard Lake St. Mary's (OLSM) hockey logo
Julian Johnston

R | 2007 | OLSM

Riverview Gabriel Richard hockey logo
Tony Venturini

L | 2007 | Gabriel Richard

Byron Center Forward Braxton McKee

One point shy of 50 on the season, Braxton McKee was integral to Byron Center’s Division-II state championship run. Five of his 22 goals scored came in the playoffs, including a three-point performance in the state final.

Houghton Forward Jay Halonen

Not pretty, but necessary. Jay Halonen epitomizes what it means to be an F1 on the forecheck, flying all over the ice and blowing up opposing breakouts. He also scored six goals and 18 points this season for his efforts.

Houghton Forward Jace DeForge

Jace DeForge has a fantastic motor, and keeps his feet going throughout his shifts. Couple that with good stops and starts, and he has a way of constantly being involved in the play all over the ice. That’s evident by his 17 goals and 38 points for the top team in Division-III.

Calumet Forward Brendan Boberg

Calumet’s biggest scoring threat, with 19 goals in 26 games. Brendan Boberg is dangerous every time he touches the puck. Half of those goals came against Top-25 opponents, and he mounted six-game goal streak with tallies against No. 4 Brighton, No. 11 Brother Rice and No. 16 U of D Jesuit.

East Grand Rapids Forward James Albers

A power forward that’s heavy on the puck and gritty in the corners. James Albers also flashes some explosiveness in his hands, making swift dekes and moves to get around defenders. Was a point-per-game guy for East Grand Rapids in the middle of the lineup.

East Grand Rapids Forward Oliver Owen

Led East Grand Rapids in goals during the team’s run to a State Final, with 19 in 30 games. If you give him time and space, Oliver Owen can make you pay. Five multi-goal games this season, and 15 points in the final 11 games down the stretch.

Byron Center Forward Luke Philo

A big-bodied forward with a nose for the net. Luke Philo scored 30 points for Byron Center this season, with 11 of those points coming against Top-25 opponents. His presence in the middle of the lineup elevated the Bulldogs’ roster to championship status.

Cap City Forward Will Tucker

Grade-A effort with and without the puck. Will Tucker has great intentions in his game, meaning he goes to the right spots at the right times, and he does so with a purpose. Ten multi-point games this season, 33 points in total, for a guy who impacts the game in a variety of ways.

Portage Forward Cayden Stasienko

Cayden Stasienko has a good hockey IQ and ability to create offense. Not only can he find open spots for himself to be a threat, but also has a knack for springing teammates into scoring chances of their own. Eleven goals and 33 points, one off the team lead in scoring. 

Grand Rapids Christian Forward Josh Hooper

Big fan of his ability to push the pace and play with tempo. A lot of players acclimate to the pace of the game, but Josh Hooper played fast and forced others to try and keep up with him. He finished the season on a 10-game point streak, finishing with 35 points in total.

Reeths-Puffer Forward Tyler Tindall

Possesses a lot of good habits and generally plays the game the ‘right’ way. Jumping off draws, mucking it up along the half wall, initiating breakouts and helping out on the backcheck. Tyler Tindall scored 19 goals and 35 points this season for Reeths-Puffer.

Forest Hills Northern-Eastern Forward Sean Hall

Sean Hall scored multiple points in 14 of 26 games this season, including four-point, five-point and six-point performances for Forest Hills Northern-Eastern. He factored in on 55.4 percent of the team’s total offense in 26 games this season.

Sparta Forward Caden Gleason

Finished in the Top 10 in the state in scoring with 62 points this season. Caden Gleason was the highest scoring player in the Class of 2025, but his game is much more than a stat line. He’s constantly jumping into scrums, bolting towards the net as a scoring threat and a player the opponent needs to account for at all times. 

Brother Rice Forward Roman Villaire

Led Brother Rice in scoring with 41 points in 26 games, and was one of the most consistent players for the Warriors all season long. Roman Villaire is a pure goal scorer who’s able to create his own opportunities. Skating ability, hands, and a habit of constantly being in scoring position.

Hartland Forward Ian Kastamo

One of the most coveted forwards in the state because of his unique skill set, hockey IQ and overall approach to the game. Ian Kastamo is quite simply put, a game changer. His 12 goals and 26 points may not ‘wow’ you, but his poise with the puck and ability to make plays will.

Clarkston Forward Ron Wade

Widely considered one of, if not, the top players in all of Michigan high school hockey this season. Ron Wade is a bonafide playmaker with a quick first step, explosive hands and a finisher’s touch around the net. Validated by his second straight 50-point season.

Cranbrook Forward Nick Timko

A very well-rounded player with a balanced skill set. Nick Timko is a good skater, with soft hands and quick jump. He's also got good size, and competes well in puck battles, leading Cranbrook in points with 35 this season.

Clarkston Forward Kyle Lynch

A really strong forward who was tough in 50-50 battles. Kyle Lynch is very active in the play and keeps his feet moving constantly, making him a highly effective center at this level. His 14 goals and 39 points were second on Clarkston, helping the Wolves reach the Final Four.

Livonia Stevenson Forward Owen Hall

He has the ability to impact every game he plays. Owen Hall is a physical presence, a forechecking terror, a scoring threat and a playmaker capable of succeeding in just about any role. Thirteen multi-point games for a total of 42 points this season.

Detroit Catholic Central Forward Peter Sanin

Peter Sanin led Detroit Catholic Central in scoring with 24 goals this season. He’s able to produce by driving the net hard, being tough to play against around the crease and just out-muscling opponents for loose pucks and rebounds. 

Hartland Forward Drew L’Esperance

Drew L’Esperance is an absolute finisher. If you give him an open look, it will end up in the back of your net. Nine goals and 25 points playing the middle for a young Hartland team, L’Esperance was a man amongst boys at the ‘07 birth year this season.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Forward Julian Johnston

He’s strong around the net and can sometimes muscle his way to the paint, willing to get dirty in order to produce offense. Julian Johnston scored nine goals and 24 points, with nearly half of them coming against Top-25 opponents.

Lenawee United Forward Rhett Micallef

Don’t sleep on this kid. He’s got an ugly, but extremely effective style that produced 28 goals and 50 points this season. Rhett Micallef buzzes all over the ice on every shift, getting a piece of the puck or body constantly. He does the dirty work — and does it effectively — that most don’t want to do.

M-1 United Forward Charlie Price

A hard-nosed center who’s never far from the play. Charlie Price is in his element along the half-walls, engaging in scrums and forcing turnovers. His 20 goals and 45 points led M-1 United, factoring in on nearly half the team’s offense.

Riverview Gabriel Richard Forward Tony Venturini

Rattled off point streaks of seven and eight games this season, totaling 41 points in 25 games. Tony Venturini was Riverview Gabriel Richard’s go-to guy, putting up nine points in six games against Top-25 competition. 

Divine Child Forward Braeden McNamara

Led Divine Child in scoring for the second consecutive season, eclipsing the 50-point mark yet again. Braeden McNamara began the ‘23-24 season with a 14-game point streak, and had a hand in 64.9 percent of the team’s offense.

FNV Forward Cade Doud

Has a real nice motor that puts him in position to make plays. Cade Doud dictates the pace of the game by forcing turnovers, initiating breakouts, executing zone entries and pressing opposing defenders. He makes you play at his speed.

DEFENSE

Hancock
Max Heinonen

L | 2006 | Hancock

GRChristian
Jack Micus

L | 2006 | GR Christian

Houghton hockey logo
Oscar Peterson

L | 2007 | Houghton

Hancock
Max Heinonen

L | 2006 | Hancock

GRChristian
Jack Micus

L | 2006 | GR Christian

Houghton hockey logo
Oscar Peterson

L | 2007 | Houghton

GRCatholicCentral
Liam TenHarmsel

R | 2007 | GRCC

Forest Hills Central Logo
Gibson Grendel

R | 2007 | FHC

TraverseCityWest
Kallen Ray

R | 2007 | TC West

East Grand Rapids Hockey Script Gold
Davis Rushmore

R | 2007 | East Grand Rapids

GRCatholicCentral
Liam TenHarmsel

R | 2007 | GRCC

Forest Hills Central Logo
Gibson Grendel

R | 2007 | FHC

TraverseCityWest
Kallen Ray

R | 2007 | TC West

East Grand Rapids Hockey Script Gold
Davis Rushmore

R | 2007 | East Grand Rapids

Brother Rice hockey logo
Cam George

L | 2006 | Brother Rice

SaultSteMarie
Korsen Pace

L | 2007 | Sault Ste. Marie

Northville
Alex McCallum

R | 2007 | Northville

Flint Powers hockey logo
Andrew Burny

L | 2007 | Flint Powers

Brother Rice hockey logo
Cam George

L | 2006 | Brother Rice

SaultSteMarie
Korsen Pace

L | 2007 | Sault Ste. Marie

Northville
Alex McCallum

R | 2007 | Northville

Flint Powers hockey logo
Andrew Burny

L | 2007 | Flint Powers

Brighton hockey logo
Ryan Watkins

R | 2007 | Brighton

Brother Rice hockey logo
Nicholas Hajji

R | 2007 | Brother Rice

Saginaw Heritage hockey logo
Logan Boettcher

R | 2006 | Saginaw Heritage

Brighton hockey logo
Ryan Watkins

R | 2007 | Brighton

Brother Rice hockey logo
Nicholas Hajji

R | 2007 | Brother Rice

Saginaw Heritage hockey logo
Logan Boettcher

R | 2006 | Saginaw Heritage

Hancock Defenseman Max Heinonen

He does what a lot of young defensemen don’t like to do; keeps it simple. Max Heinonen is quick to move pucks and move the play along, taking what the opponent gives him. Low risk, high reward with a guy like him on the back end.

Grand Rapids Catholic Central Defenseman Liam TenHarmsel

Liam TenHarmsel has all the intangibles to be a high-level defenseman. He’s 6-foot-1 with good footwork, puck skills and ability to defend effectively. His size and reach made him difficult for opposing forwards to figure out on the fly.

Grand Rapids Christian Defenseman Jack Micus

He’s got great size, plays with speed and makes quick decisions with the puck. Jack Micus anticipates the flow of the game well, knowing what he wants to do with the puck long before it gets on his stick. He scored seven goals and 20 points in his second season with Grand Rapids Christian.

Forest Hills Central Defenseman Gibson Grendel

May be the best skater of anyone in the Class of 2025. Gibson Grendel can mesmerize opponents when his hands and feet get going in unison. His five goals and 18 points certainly don’t tell the whole story for Forest Hills Central this season.

Houghton Defenseman Oscar Peterson

An imposing presence on the back end at 6-foot-4 and 190 lbs. Oscar Peterson is a reliable defender with all the measurables you could ask for in a shut-down guy. If his speed and pace improves just a little bit, Peterson can draw statewide recognition.

Traverse City West Defenseman Kallen Ray

Kallen Ray put up 28 points from the back end for Traverse City West, finishing second on the team in scoring. He's all of 6-feet tall, and skates very well, but what I love most is he doesn't over-handle pucks or complicate things.

East Grand Rapids Defenseman Davis Rushmore

A smooth skating defender that commanded the blue line for East Grand Rapids. Davis Rushmore logged a ton of minutes against the opponent’s best lines, getting better and better as the season wore on. Five goals and 28 points in his first season of varsity hockey.

Brother Rice Defenseman Cam George

Cam George is a compact, smooth skating puck mover that fuels crisp breakouts and effective regroups. The puck is in good hands when it's on his stick, minimizing mistakes with quality puck skills and smart decision-making.

Brighton Defenseman Ryan Watkins

Got better and better as the season wore on. Thirteen of Ryan Watkins’ 19 points came after the New Year for Brighton. He’s got decent footwork and makes smart, safe plays with the puck. Tons of confidence in him to make the right decisions at the right times.

Sault Ste. Marie Defenseman Korsen Pace

He’s got good speed and footwork with an ability to maintain possession of the puck through traffic. Korsen Pace is always in rhythm, snapping passes off in stride and on target during regroups and breakouts. 

Brother Rice Defenseman Nicholas Hajji

An imposing presence on the back end, standing north of 6-feet tall. Nicholas Hajji is stout defensively and provides a unique challenge for opposing forwards, given his size and reach. Four goals and nine points this season for Brother Rice.

Northville Defenseman Alex McCallum

Finished the ‘23-24 season with points in 10 of the last 11 games for Northville. Alex McCallum is a brilliant skater with good size and compete on the back end. Was second on the team in scoring with 14 goals, including seven in the final five games of the season.

Saginaw Heritage Defenseman Logan Boettcher

With the season on the line, Logan Boettcher was Saginaw Heritage’s best player. Six of his 33 points came during the Hawks’ Final Four run, where he played like a man on a mission. At 6-foot and 185 lbs, he’s got good size, and has an ability to really push the pace from the back end. 

Flint Powers Defenseman Andrew Burny

Love his gap control, anticipation and aggressiveness in passing lanes. Andrew Burny is one of the tougher defensemen to play against in the Class of 2025. Oh, and his 26 points in 26 games for Flint Powers certainly helps too.

GOALIES

JacksonLumenChristi
Zach Jaakkola

L | 2006 | Lumen Christi

Marquette hockey logo
Cole Kelly

L | 2006 | Marquette

GRChristian
Brayden Melinn

L | 2007 | GR Christian

JacksonLumenChristi
Zach Jaakkola

L | 2006 | Lumen Christi

Marquette hockey logo
Cole Kelly

L | 2006 | Marquette

GRChristian
Brayden Melinn

L | 2007 | GR Christian

Cranbrook Logo
Garrett Dudlar

L | 2006 | Cranbrook

De La Salle Hockey logo
Gavin Szalkowski

L | 2006 | De La Salle

Orchard Lake St. Mary's (OLSM) hockey logo
Will Keane

L | 2007 | OLSM

Cranbrook Logo
Garrett Dudlar

L | 2006 | Cranbrook

De La Salle Hockey logo
Gavin Szalkowski

L | 2006 | De La Salle

Orchard Lake St. Mary's (OLSM) hockey logo
Will Keane

L | 2007 | OLSM

Lumen Christi Goalie Zach Jaakkola

Zach Jaakkola is one of the more complete junior goalies, considering his size, athleticism and footwork. His movements are crisp and on point, and the busier he is, the better he performs. Lumen Christi leaned on him heavily, facing 30 or more shots in 19-of-23 starts this season.

Marquette Goalie Cole Kelly

His 1.64 goals-against average was among the Top 10 in the state for goalies with 10 or more starts. Cole Kelly tracks pucks really well, and does a nice job of staying square. He may not be the biggest in net, but he makes up for it by being aggressive towards opposing shooters. 

Grand Rapids Christian Goalie Brayden Melinn

Brayden Melinn is a rare combination of size, quickness and agility at the high school level. Listed at 6-foot, he moves very well, is fluid laterally and very comfortable in net. Went 10-8-0 with a .908 save percentage.

De La Salle Goalie Gavin Szalkowski

He’s a gamer who battles and gives his team a chance to win on a nightly basis. Gavin Szalkowski’s margin for error was quite small, with five of his eight victories coming in the form of one-goal games. His .932 save percentage put De La Salle among the Top 10 teams in the state this season.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Goalie Will Keane

At 6-foot-4, he’s probably the biggest goalie in the Class of 2025. Additionally, his footwork is really good as well. Will Keane allowed two goals or fewer in 12-of-18 starts this season, with an 11-5-1 record for Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.

Cranbrook Goalie Garrett Dudlar

Garrett Dudlar finished the season with a .946 save percentage, playing against 10 Top-25 opponents. He’s big — listed at 6-foot-4 — and technical enough to make all the saves he’s supposed to. Plus, he’s a competitor, making a bunch of desperation saves that fluster opposing shooters. 

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