CALGARY, Alta. – Winners of nine consecutive games to commence their 2018-19 campaign, the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) have soared to No. 1 overall in the latest Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top 20 rankings, announced Monday.
The weekly listings are compiled by an independent scouting service which uses a variety of factors to determine the rankings.
The 9-0 Thunderbirds as the lone unbeaten CJHL side in regulation entering play this week heading into a highly anticipated match-up with the 8-0-1 and No. 4 ranked Powassan Voodoos Tuesday in Day 1 of the NOJHL Showcase in Sudbury, Ont.
A 9-1-1 start has helped the surging Inouk de Granby (LHJAAAQ) move to No. 2 nationally while the 2019 Canadian Jr. A championship-host Brooks Bandits (AJHL) have reeled off seven straight victories and jumped to No. 3 in the CJHL.
Rounding out the Top 5 are the Oakville Blades (OJHL), who have gone an impressive 9-1-1-1 in their first dozen outings.
The following is the CJHL Top 20, as of Oct. 8/18
RK TEAM (LEAGUE) (LAST WEEK)
1. Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) (2)
2. Inouk de Granby (LHJAAAQ) (8)
3. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (13)
4. Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL) (7)
5. Oakville Blades (OJHL) (16)
6. Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL) (3)
7. Nipawin Hawks (SJHL) (1)
8. Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL) (5)
9. Brockville Braves (CCHL) (9)
10. Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL) (4)
11. Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) (6)
12. Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (NR)
13. Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL) (15)
14. Les Titan de Princeville (LHJAAAQ) (NR)
15. Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) (19)
16. Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL) (11)
17. Amherst Ramblers (MHL) (HM)
18. Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) (17)
19. Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) (20)
20. Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) (NR)
HONOURABLE MENTION: Sherwood Park Crusaders (AJHL); Kindersley Klippers (SJHL); Red Lake Miners (SIJHL); North York Rangers (OJHL); Les Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ)
