Plenty of reasons to be excited around the Pioneer program this season. Returning Khomutin up front and his 22 goals and 42 points may be the biggest reason for optimism.

He had a very active offseason between Team Michigan tryouts and the MDHL fall season, and I expect his production from last season (21G, 36P) to improve significantly because of those efforts.

Aron carried the load for GRCC as a junior, pitching five shutouts and facing 30 or more shots on six separate occasions. The team is improved, so is Aron, and that could lead to a lot of Cougar wins this winter.

Nemeth is a four-year senior with 25 career multi-point games on his resume for the Chargers. In that time though, he’s never been the ‘go-to-guy’ in the offense… until now. Big season ahead for Nemeth.

Every team in the state has a spot in their lineup for Anderson. He can facilitate on the power play, defend and kill penalties, and he’s consistent at 5-on-5. Not the most production but certainly the most important to RP.

Led the Dreads in scoring a season ago — 34 goals and 62 points — and will likely be counted on to do it again as a senior. Dexter lost 61.5 percent of its scoring to graduation last spring, leaving a significant gap up front.

On the heels of a 40-point season last winter, Penny should once again put up big numbers. He’s not a stat stuffer though; plays a 200-foot game, backchecks and really earns his scoring opportunities.

Had a huge fall season in the MDHL, leading Team White in scoring and helping them win the league championship. He’s a compact forward at 5-foot-8 but can make a big impact for the Bird Dogs this winter.

A good-skating defender that anchors the Lakers’ defensive efforts. They’ve got plenty of goal scorers but Delmonte plays an important role moving pucks and defending around the net.

The program’s best forward prospect in almost a decade. Ososki is a big-bodied left-hand shot forwrard who’s been with the Cards for four years. Now is the time for him to take over the offense.