CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) released its final 2021-portion of its Top 20 Rankings Monday, and the Brooks Bandits (AJHL) will head into the 2022 as No. 1 overall.
Boasting a stellar 33-1-1-0 record through their first 35 contests this season, Brooks has a nine-point gap over their nearest competitor in the 16-team Alberta Junior Hockey League standings.
Over in the Maritime Hockey League, the Summerside Western Capitals hold on to their No. 2 slot.
Billy McGuigan’s club reeled off seven-straight victories to conclude play in 2021 and sit atop the table in the MHL at 23-2-0-1.
Meanwhile, the Ottawa Jr. A Senators have been equally impressive on the campaign, to date, and sit No. 3 nationally in the listings, which are compiled through an independent scouting service.
With an .846 winning percentage, Ottawa sits in first place in the CCHL standings with 44 points with their 23-1-1-1 record.
Winners of 12 consecutive games, the Kam River Fighting Walleye (SIJHL) jump a couple of notches to No. 4 in the rankings.
Coached by CJHL alumnus Matt Valley, Kam River has gone 22-3-1-0 in the SIJHL and has only one regulation defeat since mid-October.
Rounding out the Top 5 is Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ).
Having come away victorious in each of their past 14 contests, they are a solid 24-3-1-0 on the year.
The following are the final CJHL Top 20 Rankings for 2021, as well as the five Honourable Mention clubs:
CJHL TOP 20 RANKINGS
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (Previous ranking)
1. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (1)
2. Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) (2)
3. Ottawa Jr. A Senators (CCHL) (4)
4. Kam River Fighting Walleye (SIJHL) (6)
5. Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ) (3)
6. Panthères de St-Jérôme (LHJAAAQ) (5)
7. Red Lake Miners (SIJHL) (11)
8. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (10)
9. Timmins Rock (NOJHL) (7)
10. Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL) (8)
11. Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) (16)
12. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) (12)
13. Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (15)
14. Dauphin Kings (MJHL) (9)
15. Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) (17)
16. Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL) (18)
17. Estevan Bruins (SJHL) (13)
18. North York Rangers (OJHL) (NR)
19. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (4)
20. Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) (HM)
HONOURABLE MENTION: Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL); Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL); Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL); Burlington Cougars (OJHL); Pickering Panthers (OJHL).
