By BUTCH HARMON
Hockey teams across the state have hit the ice in full force as another hockey season began in mid-November. Teams from Metro Detroit dominated the scene last season, as five of the six state finalists came from Southeast Michigan.
This year, Detroit-area teams will again be the teams to beat, although the Division 2 state title will have a new home as last year’s D2 state champion Brother Rice moved up to Division 1.
Following is a look at hockey statewide by division.
DIVISION 1
Brighton captured the D1 state title last season as it defeated Grosse Pointe North in the title match. While Brighton graduated a number of key players off last year’s squad, the Bulldogs were a deep team and will be gearing up for another title run.
Last year’s Division 2 state champion Brother Rice is making the move up to Division 1 and will be one of many challengers for Brighton. The Warriors have excellent team speed and play a rugged schedule that will get them ready for a playoff run. Brother Rice will be in a rugged regional that includes Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Detroit Catholic Central.
Utica Eisenhower reached the elite eight last season, and with 10 veterans returning from last year’s team, it is primed for an even deeper playoff run.
In West Michigan, look for East Kentwood and Rockford to put strong teams on the ice. East Kentwood has a number of key players returning, led by forwards Trent Bravata and Austin Adams. The Falcons also boast a solid net minder in Zack Casavant.
Rockford returns a wealth of experience this season, and it served notice that it may be the team to beat in West Michigan with a 4-3 win against Kentwood. The Rams return a solid goalkeeper in Todd Millar, who earned honorable-mention, all-state honors last season. Stephen Shira is one of the leaders of the Ram offense. Senior defenseman Cam Bathum earned second-team, all-state honors last season. A big, strong, and mobile defender, Bathum was fourth on the team in scoring last season with 17 points.
With a senior-laden team, Grand Ledge/Fowlerville is looking to flex its muscles in the Lansing area. Grand Ledge is led by senior defenseman Adam Epstein, who earned all-conference honors last season.
DeWitt/St. Johns will also be in the mix, led by junior goaltender Josh Tempelman, who was a second-team, all-state selection last season.
DIVISION 2
Port Huron Northern fell in the state semifinals to Grosse Pointe South last March. With senior goalkeeper Matt Fernandez returning, along along with several solid defensemen, Northern is primed to reach the finals this season.
Grosse Pointe South will be solid again and has the potential to make it back to the title game.
Lakeland, Hartland, and Rochester Stoney Creek also have solid squads capable of reaching the state finals.
Midland Dow is looking to make a run in mid-Michigan this winter. The Chargers have a promising team led by forward Brett Brillhart and goalkeeper Derek Stryker.
Heritage looks to have a solid offense, led by Dan Krauzneck and Jacob Schwartz. It also has a capable keeper in Kevin Cressey.
In West Michigan, look for Grand Haven and Forest Hills Eastern to battle it out. Traverse City Central reached the elite eight last season, and with 11 veterans returning, the Trojans have the talent for another deep playoff run.
DIVISION 3
University Liggett School captured the state title last season, and with a number of players back, it will again be a team to beat.
Liggett defeated Chelsea in last year’s state semifinal. With a number of talented forwards returning, Chelsea will again be one of the top teams in the Division 3.
Detroit Country Day has a talented squad this season and is capable of making a deep playoff run.
From West Michigan, Forest Hills Central and Grand Rapids Catholic Central will battle it out on the regional level. Catholic Central has a strong group of returning players from a team that reached the state semifinals last year.
In mid-Michigan, Okemos, Big Rapids, and Powers Catholic have strong teams capable of reaching the elite eight. Forwards Tristan Eggenberger and Matt Luberto lead the way for an Okemos team that will feature a potent offense.
Powers Catholic will also have a solid squad this season. It reached the state quarterfinals a year ago and returns a solid group of forwards led by Jared Coulter, Connor Jaggi, and Jake Stone.
Defense will be the strong suit for Big Rapids. The Cardinals have a strong core of senior defenders and are strong in goal with the return of junior Joey Hinds.