The state crowns three champions in hockey. Will the area get a state champion this year? Right now, it’s not likely unless someone emerges with a hot postseason.
DIVISION I
Teams to watch statewide: Brighton, East Kentwood, Detroit Catholic Central
Preview: Coach Paul Moggach’s Brighton team will be going for its third straight state title with plenty of firepower. Captains Danny Boso, Tyler Hayes, and Brett Pietila will head a balanced attack.
Detroit Catholic Central hasn’t won a state title since 2010 but had a 21-0 scoring advantage over its first six opponents in going 6-0 to start this season.
Top players in state: Danny Boso and Tyler Hayes of Brighton, Carter Cerratani of Detroit Catholic Central
State final prediction: Detroit Catholic Central over Brighton
DIVISION 2
Teams to watch statewide: Hartland, Livonia Stevenson, Port Huron Northern, Trenton
Top local teams: Davison, Midland Dow, Heritage
Preview: Hartland was state finalist last season and figures to be one of the main powers again along with Port Huron Northern and Livonia Stevenson.
Dominic Lutz returns for Stevenson. He scored two goals the championship game, and he remains the top player for Stevenson.
Midland Dow has started out 5-0 and could make some noise.
Top players in state: Dominic Lutz and Tyler Irvine of Livonia Stevenson, Austin Flores and John Nagel of Hartland
Top local players: Kevin Cressy, Heritage
State final prediction: Livonia Stevenson over Trenton
DIVISION 3
Teams to watch statewide: Cranbrook, Houghton, Sault Ste. Marie
Top local team: Powers Catholic
Preview: Sault Ste. Marie may be ready to take that step up this season after being runner-up last year. “We will have a solid year and move guys to the next level,” said coach John Ferroni.
Defending champion Cranbrook showed how tough it is in a mid-December game against Detroit Catholic Central. Cranbrook posted a 5-2 victory over the Division 1 power. Sam Miletc had 12 goals and 19 points in his team’s first six games.
Top players in state: Will Gauthier and Chase Gamelin of Sault Ste. Marie, Sam Miletic of Cranbrook
Top local players: Austin Kane and Spencer Owen, Powers Catholic
State final prediction: Cranbrook over Houghton