Petey's Picks

We recap some of the biggest takeaways and performances from the 2025 MHSAA Frozen Four. I present my fix for a playoff system that's been broken for forever, with a tiered format that provides great competition, an even playing field and simple enough for the MHSAA to implement. Plus, my All-Freshman and All-Sophomore Teams have been released, we'll talk about some of my favorite players from the Class of 2027 and 2028. All-Freshman Team: https://peteyspicks.com/2025-all-freshman-team/All-Sophomore Team: https://peteyspicks.com/2025-all-sophomore-team/0:00 Intro0:40 Recapping the action from the State Finals13:14 The Public-v-Private debate19:48 My All-Freshman and All-Sophomore Teams29:41 Most common problems with the MHSAA33:58 What really matters to the decisionmakers37:53 Fixing the State Playoffs42:00 Dividing the state into territories45:15 Tier 1 and Tier 2 Regionals based on MPR48:27 Why can't these regional assignments work?!52:45 Seeding the Quarterfinals at USA Hockey Arena56:55 The 3-week tournament calendar1:00:08 The Tier-2 tournament1:05:12 Outro

We take a look at all 12 teams still remaining in the MHSAA Hockey state playoffs, and review their resumes from this season. Who's their standout players, what's their big wins and achievements throughout the season and much more. Plus, I share my thoughts on a few hot-button topics in youth hockey right now including refs in the playoffs and Little Caesars 43-0 win over Belle Tire.

The 2025 Michigan high school hockey state playoffs get underway this week. I've got complete bracketology and picks for all three divisions. Find out which matchups were the toughest to predict, underdogs I like the most, teams I'm most confident in and of course, who I think will win it all.Favorites, Underdogs, Longshots: https://peteyspicks.com/how-72-different-teams-could-make-a-case-for-a-regional-championship/

Regional playoff brackets for Michigan high school hockey were finalized this week by the MHSAA. We take a look at all 24 regions, and I offer up instant reactions to the matchups. I've also got Vegas odds for teams to win Regionals and beyond.

The first ever conference tournament in Michigan high school hockey is underway this week, as the top eight teams in the OKC compete for a championship. We update the bracket with some picks and predictions. I also recap what I saw from the 2025 MIHL Showcase this weekend, and we look ahead to some early MHSAA state playoff predictions. Top 25 Rankings: https://peteyspicks.com/teams/

The MIHL Showcase is this weekend, with 22 of the top 25 teams in the state set to be in action. Not to mention, three top teams from Ohio, one from Wisconsin and one from Illinois. This is THE BEST event in the Michigan high school hockey season, and I've got teams to watch, players to key in on and matchups you don't want to miss. Players to Watch: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockeys-premier-event-of-the-season/

I preview all 25 matchups at this weekend's Chelsea Showcase, with predictions and players to watch. We talk about some of the biggest upsets in Michigan high school hockey so far this season. And, I shed some light on off-the-radar players and teams that have caught my eye recently. Chelsea Showcase: https://peteyspicks.com/a-winner-for-each-of-the-25-games-at-the-chelsea-showcase/ Updated Top 25: https://peteyspicks.com/teams/ Biggest Upsets: https://peteyspicks.com/biggest-upsets-of-the-high-school-hockey-season/

The North-South Showcase features some big-time headliners. Picks for that as well as predictions for key matchups this week. I also unveil the Top 25 Newcomers to Michigan High School Hockey. We also update the Top 25 Rankings for the first time in the New Year as well. Games of the Week: https://peteyspicks.com/first-picks-and-predictions-of-2025/ Top 25 Newcomers to MI-HS Hockey: https://peteyspicks.com/top-25-newcomers-to-michigan-high-school-hockey/ Updated 2025 Rankings: https://peteyspicks.com/teams/

I'll recap my thoughts from the KLAA-MIHL Showcase from last weekend with standout players, performances and teams. Plus, we'll preview a lot of big matchups in the days leading into winter break. It's unofficially the halfway point of the season, so I'll offer up some of my biggest takeaways from what we've seen so far.

I go full Bracketology for this week's Catholic League Tournament and predictions for the first annual West-Michigan Showcase. We also highlight some of the most impressive performances from the month of November with our Three Stars of the Month. Follow along and submit your picks below! Games of the Week: https://peteyspicks.com/picks-for-the-first-annual-west-michigan-showcase/ Three Stars: https://peteyspicks.com/james-albers-performance-has-egr-out-to-an-undefeated-start/

A stuffed episode of the pod this week with updated Top-25 Michigan high school hockey rankings, I make my picks for Games of the Week, and share some thoughts from things I've seen thus far this season. Top-25 Rankings: https://peteyspicks.com/marquette-surges-up-the-top-25-rankings/ Games of the Week: https://peteyspicks.com/biggest-rivalry-night-of-the-year/

Unveiling the fourth annual Top 100 Names to Know returning to Michigan High School Hockey. 63 seniors, 33 juniors and four sophomores make up this year's list, representing 61 different programs around the state. Complete analysis of all 100 prospects on the list: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-top-100-names-to-know-in-michigan-high-school-hockey/

Detroit Sports Media personality and co-host of Hockey Time on State Champs! Network, Sean Baligian joins the Petey's Picks podcast as the show's inaugural guest. A very candid conversation about a wide range of topics, including playoff structure, fall hockey and, can anyone beat Detroit Catholic Central?

Top-25 matchups, rivalry games and a lot more at stake in Week 1 of the Michigan high school hockey season. I preview some of the biggest matchups I have circled on the calendar. Offer up some analysis, make my predictions and challenge you to play along and make your own picks! Week 1 Picks: https://peteyspicks.com/11-11-2024-games-of-the-week/

Presenting the preseason Top 25 programs in Michigan high school hockey ahead of the 2024-25 season. I've broken teams down into five different tiers, we'll talk over/unders on win totals and much more. Follow along with additional analysis of Petey's Preseason Top-25 Rankings HERE: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-preseason-top-25-rankings/

11 of the 19 teams between the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) and Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League (MIHL) have won a Michigan high school hockey state championship. There are no better conferences in the state than these two. We wrap up or preseason previews with a look at state title contenders from both conferences, as well as junior hockey-caliber prospects and much more. https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-klaa-conference-preview/ MIHL Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-mihl-conference-preview/

Is High School Hockey on par with AAA in Michigan? Results from the 2024 CCM Motown are pretty telling. We get into that, as well as conference previews of the Metro League in Detroit and the OK Conference in West-Michigan. Metro League Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-metro-league-preview/ OKC Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-ok-conference-preview/

Just how good is the Saginaw Valley League (SVL)? There's only one league champ, but several member teams go on to make an impact at the state tournament. The Big North Conference is still young, but even more experienced with lots of prospects to keep an eye on. And it's full on Game of Thrones with a vacant title at the top. We'll find out who's 'King of the North' in the Great Lakes Conference. Big North Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-big-north-conference-preview/ Great Lakes Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-great-lakes-conference-preview/ SVL Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-saginaw-valley-league-preview/

We continue conference previews of the upcoming 2024-25 Michigan high school hockey season. Two conferences that feel wide open, and one that likely has a runaway winner. Teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) are in rebuild mode, while the South Central Hockey League (SCHL) will likely hold onto its title as the lowest-scoring league in hockey. Can anyone in the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) contend with the powerhouse that is Clarkston? SEC Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-southeastern-conference-preview/ SCHL Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-south-central-hockey-league-preview/ OAA Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-oakland-activities-association-preview/

The 2024-25 Michigan high school hockey season is just one month away, and it's time to start looking ahead for what this winter may hold for players, teams and conferences. On our first episode of conference previews, we get into the Mid-Michigan Hockey Conference, Macomb Activities Conference and the Lakes Valley Conference. I'll give you my picks to win each conference, players to watch and what teams could be dangerous this season. MMHC: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-mid-michigan-conference-preview/ MAC: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-macomb-area-conference-preview/ LVC: https://peteyspicks.com/2024-25-lakes-valley-conference-preview/

Junior hockey season is officially underway, and as many as 19 Michigan high school hockey alumni make their debut in the 2024-25 North American Hockey League (NAHL) schedule. We also talk about the NAHL's sister league, the NAPHL, where 19 current Michigan high school hockey prospects competed over the weekend as well. Plus, I had some extra time this weekend and dropped in on a Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) game and share what I saw.

It's August, what could we possibly be looking for during fall hockey? We'll get into it, recapping what I saw this weekend at the AAA Kickoff Classic in Grand Rapids. Capping things off with a little bit of film study as well, with great clips of Brother Rice Hockey's Roman Villaire, Ty Kraut from Hartland Hockey and Clarkston Wolves center Kyle Lynch.

The Petey's Picks Podcast returns for Season TWO! We talk about recent tryouts for the Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL), and who stood out despite not making the cut. Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) hosted its showcase as well, with plenty of standouts and notes from the weekend. And, just who went where during this offseason?! Lots of recent grads and alumni climbing the hockey ranks through junior leagues and NCAA. 0:00 Intro 2:58 Diving into the MHA Showcase 6:30 Ian Kastamo and Ayden Cook tops among 18s 13:22 'The Trenton Show' at 16U 14:52 One freshman who could make an immediate impact 17:29 Catching up on MDHL action 21:05 Who caught my eye at MDHL tryouts 23:38 Biggest jump in development from Year 1 to Year 2 24:10 Getting cut isn't the end of the line 29:17 Midland Men making an impact 31:19 Brighton's next young tandem 33:39 Who went where this offseason?! 37:23 Outro

Recapping all the Michigan high school hockey state championship action at USA Hockey Arena over the weekend, including record-breaking performances, historic championships and a triple overtime thriller people won't soon forget. NHL Awards Article: https://peteyspicks.com/if-nhl-awards-were-issued-to-michigan-high-school-hockey-players/

Complete analysis of all 24 regions across three divisions of Michigan high school hockey playoff action. I give you my picks, upsets, predictions and more ahead of single-elimination action slated to begin later this week. Want more playoff predictions? Check out the Favorites, Contender and Longshots from all 24 regions HERE: https://peteyspicks.com/bracketology-72-teams-with-a-chance-to-win-a-regional-title/ 0:00 Intro 3:04 The Big Players in Division-I 6:45 Region 1 and 2 12:16 Region 3 and 4 18:56 Region 5 and 6 23:17 Region 7 and 8 26:57 Division-I Final Four 31:26 A 3,000-foot view of Division-II 33:14 Region 9 and 10 39:52 Region 11 and 12 43:03 Region 13 and 14 48:02 Region 15 and 16 52:27 Division-II Final Four 56:07 Toughest one to win in Division-III 58:24 Region 17 and 18 1:03:29 Region 19 and 20 1:05:39 Region 21 and 22 1:10:23 Region 23 and 24 1:17:12 Division-III Final Four 1:21:22 Outro

There's a ton to go over after spending the weekend in Traverse City for the North-South Showcase. Notes on over 100 players, thoughts on all 24 teams in action. Oh, and I dusted off the whiteboard and jumped on the bench for one of the participating teams! Find out more... One player from every team at the event: https://peteyspicks.com/passeno-philo-make-byron-center-a-different-team/

I'm packing up and heading north this weekend for the Bay Reps' annual North-South Showcase. The 24-team event features eight teams in my Top 25 — which we will also discuss — and highlight a couple of the teams I'm most looking forward to seeing in action. Be sure to check out my picks for each one of the games below. Plus! A top prospect in Michigan high school hockey gets uncovered and we gotta talk about it. North-South Showcase Picks: https://peteyspicks.com/bay-reps-host-annual-north-south-showcase/

Seth Sandstrom may just be the best freshman hockey player in the state of Michigan for Marquette. Plus, Cap City has a boatload of '07 prospects that just play the game the right way. I share my thoughts on both of these teams, and we also talk updating my Top-25 Rankings, I tease a few selections for my Mid-Season Dream Team, and where we're going next week! Make your picks for Games of the Week: https://peteyspicks.com/byron-center-puts-undefeated-streak-on-the-line-against-bay-reps/

It may very well be the busiest weekend of youth hockey in the state of Michigan, so what better way to preview it than our biggest picks segment of the season?! 34 games from AAA to high school, metro Detroit to Northern Michigan. Plus, you can get involved with the picks and submit your own predictions for all of these matchups below! https://peteyspicks.com/showcase-showdowns-across-the-state/

I was on-site for some big matchups between Forest Hills Central and Clarkston as well as Brighton and Hartland. Lots of thoughts on all four of those teams, plus a closer look at Michigan high school hockey's biggest rivalry between Detroit Catholic Central and Brother Rice. We update the Top-10 Rankings and break down the biggest games coming up this weekend. MJR Foundation LINK: https://mjrfoundation.org/2023-jilek-cup-donation-competition/

Thanksgiving Eve sees a bunch of important matchups between opposing schools, headlined by arguably the biggest rivalry in Michigan high school hockey, Detroit Catholic Central vs. Brother Rice. However, that is far from the only drama expected to unfold this week! Make your weekly picks: https://peteyspicks.com/videos/wednesday-night-rivalry-in-michigan-high-school-hockey/

69 Forwards, 19 Defensemen and 12 Goalies from 55 different programs across the state make my third annual list of players to watch during the 2023-24 season. I highlight some of my favorites among the final list of 100 names, but if you want notes on EVERYONE here, be sure to check out the blog HERE: https://peteyspicks.com/2023-24-top-100-names-to-know-in-michigan-high-school-hockey/

I've got 12 games circled on the calendar this week for various reasons. I'll get into each of those matchups and offer up my picks for each, including two defending state champions who could be on upset alert right out of the gate. YOU also have a chance to get in on the fun and submit your picks on this week's games on the website: https://peteyspicks.com/games-of-the-week-11-13-2023/

I break down Michigan high school hockey's first EVER Preseason Top-25 Rankings, presented by Petey's Picks. Plus, I give you over/under win totals for each of those teams for the upcoming season compared to last season's win totals. Follow along as I talk about Petey's Preseason Top-25 Poll HERE: https://peteyspicks.com/peteys-preseason-top-25-poll/

Our previews of all 13 Michigan high school hockey conferences concludes with a closer look at the upcoming KLAA and MIHL seasons. Easily the top two conferences in the entire state. Teams to watch, players to pay attention to, over/under predictions on a few win totals and, of course, my picks to win each conference. KLAA: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-klaa/ MIHL: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-mihl/

The 50th season of Michigan high school hockey is officially underway this week! We continue our previews of the 13 conferences in the state with a closer look at the Great Lakes Conference in the Upper Peninsula and the OK Conference on the West side of the state. Tons of great players, talented teams, and both league championships are very much up for grabs for the '23-24 season. I've got my picks, who's yours? Even MORE content available on these two conferences below: OK Conference: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-ok-conference/ Great Lakes: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-great-lakes-conference/

An update on Michigan youth hockey from this past week, and also forecasting for the coming weekend at the CCM Motown. Plus, we do a deep dive on three more conferences as part of our Michigan High School Hockey Preview. The Big North Conference, Saginaw Valley League and Metro League are on tap! More analysis of the conferences below... Big North: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-big-north-conference/ Saginaw Valley: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-saginaw-valley-league/ Metro League: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-metro-league/

Forty-two of the top youth hockey players from the 2023 Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) were selected to compete in front of scouts for the fall league's annual showcase. I've got a bunch of notes on players that caught my attention.

We continue our look at each of the 13 conferences in Michigan high school hockey with a slew of teams to pay attention to, players to watch and dates to circle on the calendar. Plus, what you missed this weekend and what's coming up next. Even MORE analysis of all three conferences is available on the website as well! SEC Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/southeastern-conference-preview/ SCHL Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-south-central-hockey-league/ OAA Preview: https://peteyspicks.com/michigan-high-school-hockey-preview-oakland-activities-association/

We introduce a brand new segment on the pod... "Ten-Minute Talk" where I break down each of the 13 Michigan high school hockey conferences for 10 minutes each. We'll cover three conferences per episode throughout the month of October. Recapping last season, highlighting players to watch, dates to circle on the calendar and, of course, my pick to be crowned champion at the end of the season. On this week's episode, we break down the Mid-Michigan Conference, Macomb Area Conference and Lakes Valley Conference. Want even more notes, stats and conference talk? Check out the website for a complete breakdown. Mid-Michigan: https://tinyurl.com/34j4ds73 MAC: https://tinyurl.com/yhnnadne LVC: https://tinyurl.com/49ccme6r

The USHL and NAHL seasons are officially underway, and there's a large contingent of Michigan players on opening-night rosters. Not only that, but prospects like Cam Korpi, Michael Barron and Max Marquette are some of the early standouts from league play. Plus, we highlight some of the top performers from the USHL Fall Classic and rank the top Michigan AAA programs of the past decade. USHL Fall Classic Recap: https://peteyspicks.com/takeaways-from-the-2023-ushl-fall-classic/

Petey breaks down what he saw from the MAHA Showcase over the weekend. We also lay the foundation for our AAA Power Rankings at the 14U, 15O, 16U and 18U age groups. Plus, Little Caesars 15s add Cam Nimmer and Logan Stuart to the lineup. How does that impact the youth hockey landscape not just locally, but nationally?

We introduce Petey's Picks for the first time this season, making predictions for some of the most intriguing matchups at the 2023 MAHA Showcase this weekend. HoneyBaked, Victory Honda, Little Caesars, Oakland Jr. Grizzlies, Fox Motors and more. Who will get out to a hot start for the '23-24 campaign? Plus, we catch up on a few MDHL games and have plenty of prospects to talk about like Jackson Walsh, Colin Stroble, Zach LaMay, Lane Petit and more. Want to get involved? Make YOUR picks for the MAHA Showcase HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2sp2cwmy

Tommy Spencer, Brayden Wade and Wesley Jefferson-Swint had a strong weekend at the AAA Kickoff Classic. That may very well set the tone for Victory Honda to be the No. 1 team in the 16U age group this season. Plus, MHA, OJG and Fox Motors were all at the event as well. What is there to take away from their performances in the first action of the season?

Live in 'Petey's Perfect World' with me for a minute, as I talk through changes I'd like to see in the MHSAA's high school hockey playoff format. Plus, a couple '07s were quick to announce college commitments in the first month of eligibility. We'll catch up on everything you need to know there. Read the full story at: https://tinyurl.com/2kmwb7dh I also started assembling player profiles on the site. Be sure to check the ever-growing list of evaluations HERE: https://peteyspicks.com/players Email me at contactpeteyspicks@gmail.com

It was a busy weekend of action at the ninth annual Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) Showcase. Top talent across several birth years, plenty of scouts in the building and of course, Petey's got a bunch of prospects to talk about.

Tryouts for the six-team 2023 Michigan Developmental Hockey League (MDHL) were this weekend and it was a great opportunity to get eyes on a ton of prospects. Level playing field, great competition, everyone all in one place at the same time. We talk teams to watch, I give you another program on the rise and a couple prospects that stood out at tryouts.

The first episode of the Petey's Picks podcast! After a quick update on where I've been, what I was doing and what we've got planned this season. I get into TPH's Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) tryouts that began over the weekend. My three biggest takeaways from it: (16:45) One program that I think is for real (22:50) Three players that caught my eye (27:55) My biggest problem with players at tryouts That, and much more on this week's episode!

After spending the last three seasons behind the bench, Petey's Picks returns to the Michigan youth hockey scene in a big way! Craig Peterson, or Petey, as many of you know him as around the rink, announces the launching of a brand new website, social media channels and this very podcast, all in an effort to bring maximum exposure to top-level hockey prospects from the state of Michigan.