MiHockey’s annual ’50 Most Influential People in Michigan Hockey’

Mike Henry

The new head of the Compuware hockey program, Henry directs one of the top organizations in the state.

Ken Holland

Despite the Red Wings not playing, we decided to keep Holland on the list. He is the architect of the top team in the state, and a big reason why a lot of children in Michigan decide to take up hockey.

Mike and Marian Ilitch

Since buying the Wings in 1982, Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch have built Detroit into the best team in hockey. Between the Wings, Little Caesars’ AAA program, and the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League, the Michigan natives truly are the foundation of “Hockeytown”.

Sean Jacques

Michigan’s referee-in-chief oversees all the officiating across the state – in other words, he leads the thankless troops in our game.

Larry Johnson

Johnson is in charge of the Tier 1 Hockey Elite League, a league that holds some of the top talent in the country.

Todd Johnson

Detroit Catholic Central’s coach is responsible for maintaining a storied tradition and managing the expectations for one of the top high school programs in the state.

Peter Karmanos Jr.

Karmanos, the Compuware CEO, is the owner of the Plymouth Whalers, annually a contender in the OHL. The Compuware AAA program is one of the best in the state. And the Detroit native happens to own the Carolina Hurricanes, as well.

John Kay

Kay is the director of Belle Tire hockey – one of the top organizations in the state – and he also serves on the Tier 1 Hockey Elite League’s board of governors.

Ryan Kesler, pictured with his father, Mike, is arguably the best Michigan product currently in the NHL. (Photo courtesy of Mike Kesler)

Ryan Kesler

Kesler is the one of the top role models for young hockey players in Michigan as he evolves into an NHL superstar in Vancouver.

Ray Kraemer

The long-standing MAHA member is currently the VP of adult hockey – helping people of all ages continue to play the sport they love.

Todd Kyriger

The former NHLer is Novi High School’s head coach, and last summer he coached the prep team that won a tournament against the best high-schoolers Minnesota had to offer.

Jean Laxton

Laxton leads the girls/women program for MAHA, an ever-growing segment of hockey in Michigan. She also serves as GM for the Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association.

Scott Lock

Lock is actively involved in the growth of high school hockey; he coaches for Grosse Pointe North and serves as the MDHL’s director of hockey operations.

Bob Mancini

The regional manager of the USA Hockey American Development Model is in charge of bringing the new hockey model to Michigan. He is also working closely with Orchard Lake United.

Roger Mauritho

MAHA’s VP of youth hockey helps manage amateur hockey across the state, along with serving as the chairperson for the state playoffs.

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