The Michigan Interscholastic Hockey League (MIHL) has been the most successful hockey league in the state of Michigan. The league is comprised of nine teams and three divisions, each with three teams. These three divisions are home to some of the most competitive teams in the state such as: Catholic Central (D1 state champs), Brother Rice (D2 state champs), St. Mary’s, De La Salle, University of Detroit Jesuit, Port Huron Northern, Grosse Pointe South, Cranbrook, and Trenton. Each team has a rich history within the state of Michigan.
On Sunday, November 5th, the MIHL hosted its media day to interview the coaches and players, and to give a preview of what’s to come for the Catholic League members this year.
Detroit Catholic Central
The 2022-2023 shamrocks had the strongest team in the state a year ago, being undefeated against teams from the state of Michigan. Led by goal scorer Landon West and back up in net by Kyle Moore and Luca Naurato. CC will certainly be missing these three this year but they have plenty of options to fill these gaps. On top of this they have solid defensemen like Jackson Hare. Hare is one of the captains for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. When asked about his expectations for the year he stated that “we have a target on our back”. They know that they will always get the best version of their opponent. CC plans on giving their very best back to those opponents so that they can obtain yet another state title.
Birmingham Brother Rice
Brother Rice will have a large amount of returning players this year, led by defenseman Johnny Kunz and goalie Turner England. The team was coming off a stellar offensive season a year ago, and questions remain on whether they can replace that offense generated by State Champs Warrior Player of the Year Winner Peter Rosa, Andrew Marone, and Jack Cassidy. The Brother Rice Warriors will rely this year on Roman Villaire, Aidan Agbay, and Christian Haji to generate offense, and Johnny Kunz to help lock it down defensively.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s enters the season trying to bounce back from an early playoff lose. The Eaglets suffered a devastating
loss in the regional finals last post season. After the press conference while talking to captain Dugan Cretu, he stated how that game “left an awful taste in the team’s mouth”. They want nothing more than to go the distance this year in D3. This year’s team is looking stronger than ever, and captain Cretu thinks this strong team will generate many offensive opportunities.
University of Detroit Jesuit
U of D Jesuit is coming off a thrilling season that saw them make it to the D2 Frozen Four, their first time reaching the Frozen 4 since 2016. The Cubs although, have put this success behind them and are focused on what’s to come this year. U of D is a senior heavy team this year and will rely on senior forwards Carter Cate, Thomas Angell, Aidan Charron, Graham Cesa, and Micheal Shubeck to help lead the offensive charge. Senior Henry Balasia will also play a vital role in shutting down opposing team’s offense, as well as providing valuable leadership off the ice.
Warren De La Salle
De La Salle pulled out all the stops after losing head coach Sean Clark to the USHL. One of these includes new head coach Chad LaRose. “He makes coming to the rink everyday fun, and he really gets the guys going, he’s just easy to play for”, says Keegan James, a senior captain. Besides for James, DLS has a host of offensive weapons such as Colton Fuqua and many underclassmen forwards.