Hartland hockey has made a habit out of winning in Michigan high school hockey. In fact, the Eagles are third in the state over the past five seasons with 100 wins in that span — trailing only Detroit Catholic Central (125) and Byron Center (108). But a 5-0-0 start to the season is rare, even for the No. 3-ranked team in the state. 

Yet, in the 14 seasons under coach Rick Gadwa, Hartland has opened the season 5-0-0 on five other occasions; all five culminated with the team reaching the Final Four of the state tournament, and two of them ending with a state championship. Does a similar fate await the Eagles in March? Only time will tell. 

In the meantime, Hartland’s undefeated start to the season is fueled by a diverse offense and stout defense. Thirteen different players have scored a goal, with nine of them recording multiple goals through the first month of the season. Every skater on the roster has recorded two or more points, and we haven’t even reached winter break. On top of the dynamic offense, the team is allowing just 14.4 shots on goal per game, making light work for goalies Vinnie Sabala and Nolan Brown. That goaltending duo has combined to shut out four of the team’s five opponents. 

Is Hartland’s start indicative of how its season could end as well?

Alpena opens with a 5-1-0 record to start the season

The last time Alpena hockey opened the Michigan high school hockey season with a 5-1-0 record — or better — it won a regional championship. To begin the ‘18-19 season, the Wildcats won seven consecutive games, ended the regular season with a nine-game win streak, and finished with 23 wins and a state quarterfinal appearance. It was the first of five state tournament appearances over the next six seasons, as Alpena established itself as a powerhouse in northern Michigan.

The Wildcats have incurred several losses over the years. On top of graduating players like Anden Marceau — who currently plays Junior-A hockey for the Soo Eagles — others like Harrison Kaszubowski left the program, opting for the AAA route two years ago. Luke Miller followed a similar path this offseason. Both Kaszubowski and Miller still have high school eligibility, and could be on this roster today. Despite significant departures, Alpena continues to harvest prospects, win games and cement themselves as a top program on and off the ice.

Garrett Hamp and Gavin Winterstein are one of the best duos in the state, combining for 26 points already this season. The supporting cast around them is strong too. Clark Weir, Joe Lacross and Brody Misiak provide depth scoring and reliability in the heart of the lineup. Ethan Walker is an exceptional defenseman among the Class of 2027, as is goaltender Parker Schuldt. There’s a lot to like about this Alpena squad, and it’s a young bunch. 

Wins over Saginaw Heritage, Romeo and Caledonia have bolstered their resume in the early parts of the season. Ranked No. 23 in the state, the Wildcats’ lone loss is a high-scoring 7-6 finish at the hands of Mattawan in overtime.

Dexter on the verge of matching its win total from a season ago

One season removed from winning just six games,  Dexter has managed to win five already this season in the first month. Still lacking a signature win thus far, but the Dreads will get a shot to see where they stack up in games against teams like Plymouth, Saline, and Ann Arbor Pioneer over the next couple of weeks. 

Regardless, victories over Lenawee and Anchor Bay are signs of progress for a program in the early stages of the building process. Both Lenawee and the Tars ranked ahead of Dexter — by a significant margin — at season’s end last March. After a strong offseason and adding a few key pieces, Dexter is quickly climbing up the state ranks from the 112th position it resided in last season. 

Jeremy Schroeder and Jaden Boomhour have combined for 34 points. After playing AAA hockey last season with Biggby, Boomhour returned to the Dreads and has rejuvenated the lineup. On top of the offensive boost, Cade Stock is playing the best hockey of his high school career, with a 0.84 goals-against average, .933 save percentage and 3-0-0 record.

The Dreads will certainly face more difficult challenges as the season wears on, but in the short-term, they’re showing signs of significant progress.

Escanaba fueled by trio of juniors Johnson, Bink and Hayes

The last time the Eskymos began the season 4-1-0 — or better — they played their way to the Final Four of the state tournament. Future Division-I prospect and pro player Levi Wunder led that Escanaba squad during the ‘14-15 season, scoring 46 goals and 92 points, as the team won 18 games.

This year’s team is a trident, though, with each spike coming from a different level of the lineup. Graham Johnson is playing like one of the best forwards in the upper peninsula. Nolan Bink is an exceptional play-making defenseman. Cully Hayes is a big, athletic goaltender with two years of experience in net. There’s a chance this Escanaba team could be a more well-rounded group than the ‘Wunder Years’ one that made a state tournament run. 

Johnson is playing fast and shows real explosiveness with the puck. Pair him with a defenseman in Bink that’s heady and makes smart plays with the game on his stick. All of this happening in front of a goalie who’s seen almost everything high school hockey has to throw at the position. Escanaba is good, as evidenced by its 3-1 win over No. 8 Marquette. Plenty of tests await, as early as Calumet this Friday. But this Eskymos group is talented even outside of ‘The Big Three’ considering a guy like Cale Carter has five goals in five games as well.