First Picks of the New Year headlined by first-timers

Not the ‘usual suspects’ in this edition of Games of the Week

Craig Peterson

January 14, 2026

We’re well past the halfway point of the Michigan high school hockey season, and there’s still plenty of teams I haven’t yet talked about! That changes this week with the latest episode of the podcast and Games of the Week. Twelve games, and all of these matchups feature teams separated by the smallest of margins; all of these games include opponents less than 25 spots apart in My Hockey Rankings’ statewide standings.

Petey: 54-24-2
Public: 38-16-2

Negaunee vs. Lakeshore

Expect goals — and plenty of them. Both teams are averaging more than 6.5 total goals per game, making this one of the most offense-friendly matchups on the slate.

Lakeshore enters having won four of its last five and coming off a competitive game against Genesee. Negaunee, however, has been battle-tested in a major way, playing a brutal stretch that includes Marquette, Jeffers twice, Sparta and Plymouth. That schedule matters.

The Miners are on the road, but their experience against high-end competition should translate. This one could turn into a track meet, but Negaunee’s resilience gets the nod.

Petey’s Pick: Negaunee

L’Anse Creuse Unified vs. Grosse Pointe South

On paper, this feels straightforward — but it’s not.

Grosse Pointe South has won just once since Week 1, while L’Anse Creuse Unified is riding a six-game winning streak that pushed it above .500. Will Grzenia leads LCU with 18 points, and 13 of those have come outside MIHL play, where the Blue Devils score nearly a full goal more per game.

And yet, something feels off.

GPS has been better than its record suggests and has played in plenty of close games that could have flipped with one bounce. This feels like a spot where trends snap.

Petey’s Pick: Grosse Pointe South

Grosse Pointe North vs. North Oakland

Grosse Pointe North has scored against just about everyone it’s faced, including Saline and Marysville. Four players — Charlie Mueller, Brandon Jarvis, Aidan Burney and Brandon Shock — are already in double digits for goals, giving the Norsemen multiple ways to beat you.

North Oakland has competed hard, but this is a tough matchup against a team that can roll offense across multiple lines.

Petey’s Pick: Grosse Pointe North

Farmington United vs. Hudsonville

Yes, Hudsonville fans — I see you.

Neither team has won yet in the New Year, though Farmington has only played once. Farmington sits 25 spots behind Hudsonville in the rankings, but the trio of Owen Sims, Brady Brink and Connor Brink can absolutely play.

That said, this game likely comes down to depth and goaltending, two areas where Hudsonville has the edge. Farmington’s top-end talent is legit, but Hudsonville’s ability to sustain pressure should wear them down.

Petey’s Pick: Hudsonville

Portage vs. Sparta

Sparta is heating up at the right time. A six-game winning streak could easily become seven here.

Portage has allowed a staggering number of shots recently — 38, 31, 47, 30 and even 50 against Mattawan. That’s not a sustainable formula against a Sparta team finding its offensive rhythm. Jameson Meendering and Harrison Smith are rounding into form, with Trevor Serba driving play from the back end.

Petey’s Pick: Sparta

Grand Haven vs. Eastside

Call it an upset now — it won’t be later.

Eastside enters ranked behind Grand Haven but likely won’t be afterward. If Beckett Fast gets loose, the Stars should control this game. He has goals in five of Eastside’s six wins this season and consistently tilts the ice when given space.

Petey’s Pick: Eastside

East Kentwood vs. Grand Blanc

Grand Blanc hasn’t scored a goal in 2026 — two games, two shutouts — and still has Genesee looming earlier in the week. That drought matters.

These teams met in November at Kentwood, with Grand Blanc winning 5-3. Expect East Kentwood to remember that result. Nash Ottaway and Deacon Palmbos should help drive a response as EK’s offense starts to find its footing.

Petey’s Pick: East Kentwood

Wyandotte vs. Port Huron Northern

Wyandotte sits higher in the rankings, and Eli Harrell’s 43 goals speak for themselves. But Port Huron Northern’s MIHL grind — where it has been outscored 41-7 — may actually help here.

Sawyer Kemp, Chris Herms and company are used to a faster, heavier game. If Northern controls possession and pace, this could tilt their way in a tight contest.

Petey’s Pick: Port Huron Northern

Gladwin vs. Big Rapids

This is about as close as it gets. Similar rankings, nearly identical results against shared opponents and no clear separation.

Holden Foos impressed last weekend and looks better than his numbers suggest. Gladwin brings a heavy offensive push, but Foos may be just enough to hold the line.

Petey’s Pick: Big Rapids

Saline vs. Midland

Saline is stronger on paper and owns the goaltending edge with Jack Derksen. But Civic Arena is a tough building for visitors. Midland’s recent games have become special-teams marathons, and weird things tend to happen there.

In a game that could get chippy and chaotic, the home team finds a way.

Petey’s Pick: Midland

Reeths-Puffer vs. Mona Shores

Mona Shores won the first meeting 3-1 before the new year and now gets the rematch at home. Eli Habetler is riding a four-game heater, while Cullen Conrad and Owen Herman are trending upward.

Beating the same team twice is hard — but not here.

Petey’s Pick: Mona Shores

Rockford vs. Huron Valley

Rockford has five wins against ranked opponents, an impressive résumé. But losses to Romeo, CC’s B team and FHNE raise questions.

Huron Valley has lived on the edge of the Top 25 for weeks. This feels like a prove-it moment. Jonah Packard and Jackson Vollmer have a chance to turn hype into reality.

Petey’s Pick: Huron Valley