The 2024-25 high school hockey season is in full swing, and two Michigan teams, Forest Hills Central and Traverse City Central, are making waves. With impressive records and contrasting strengths, their matchups and performances are sure to excite fans statewide. Let’s dive into the statistics and analyze how these teams stack up.
Team Records and Rankings
Forest Hills Central (FHC) holds a 7-4 overall record, landing them 145th nationally, 23rd in Michigan, and 7th in their class. Their league performance is spotless (1-0), showcasing a 100% win rate. FHC thrives on a balance between strong away performances (4-1) and solid play at home (3-3), culminating in a .636 overall win percentage. They’ve scored 39 goals while allowing 29—a +10 goal differential.
Traverse City Central (TCC) boasts a longer season so far, with an 8-6 overall record. They rank 243rd nationally, 40th in Michigan, and 12th in their class. Their league dominance (4-0) mirrors FHC’s, with a 100% win rate. Despite a slightly lower win percentage (.571), TCC’s offensive firepower is evident, having scored 44 goals and conceded 40.
Scoring Trends
Analyzing scoring averages highlights key differences between the teams:
Period |
FHC Avg. Goals |
TCC Avg. Goals |
1st |
0.8 |
0.9 |
2nd |
0.5 |
1.0 |
3rd |
0.8 |
0.8 |
OT1 |
– |
1.0 |
Final |
3.5 |
3.1 |
SO |
1.0 |
0.0 |
FHC’s ability to finish strong with a higher final average (3.5 goals) sets them apart, especially in shootouts where they average 1.0 goals compared to TCC’s 0.0. However, TCC shows resilience, excelling in overtime scenarios with a 1.0 goal average.
Common Opponents
When comparing performances against shared adversaries, FHC edges out TCC:
- Houghton: FHC fell 3-0 on December 7, 2024, while TCC lost more decisively, 8-0, on November 22, 2024.
- Stevenson: FHC dominated Stevenson 8-2 on December 21, 2024, whereas TCC was defeated 5-3 on January 10, 2025.
This 1-1 record for FHC against common opponents, compared to TCC’s 0-2, could indicate a slight advantage in head-to-head competitiveness.
Breakdown of Performance
FHC’s in-state record (7-4) reflects consistency, while TCC’s additional games give them more exposure (8-6). TCC shines in home games with a 5-4 record, but FHC’s away-game strength (4-1) could prove critical in neutral venues. Both teams remain untested in playoffs, leaving much to be anticipated.
Metric |
FHC |
TCC |
Overall Record |
7-4 |
8-6 |
League Record |
1-0 |
4-0 |
Non-League Record |
6-4 |
4-6 |
Common Opponent Record |
1-1 |
0-2 |
Home Record |
3-3 |
5-4 |
Away Record |
4-1 |
3-2 |
Playoff Record |
0-0 |
0-0 |
Final Thoughts
Forest Hills Central and Traverse City Central are two competitive teams with distinct strengths. While FHC’s away-game performance and record against common opponents give them a slight edge, TCC’s offensive consistency and overtime capabilities are undeniable. Their league dominance (both undefeated) adds intrigue to any future head-to-head clashes.
Michigan hockey fans should keep an eye on these teams as the season progresses. With playoff aspirations and rivalries brewing, the best is yet to come.