CJHL releases initial Top 20 rankings for 2018-19

CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Monday its initial Top 20 rankings for the 2018-19 regular season.

The weekly tabulations, which are compiled by an independent scouting service and who use a variety of factors to determine the rankings, sees the Nipawin Hawks (SJHL) slotted No .1 in the 133-team CJHL after having started their campaign at 4-0 while only allowing four goals against.

Another unbeaten side, in the 5-0 Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL), come in at No. 2 while the 6-0 Titan de Princeville (LHJAAAQ) were tabbed No. 3 overall.

Rounding out the Top 5 are the No. 4 Dauphin Kings (MJHL) and the No. 5 Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL) who are also among a group of CJHL squads who have not lost early on.

Entering the new week there are a dozen teams across the country that have not tasted defeat to date and another six more that have yet to suffer a setback in regulation.

The CJHL Top 20 Rankings (As of Sept. 24)
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE)
1. Nipawin Hawks (SJHL)
2. Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)
3. Titan de Princeville (LHJAAAQ)
4. Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
5. Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL)
6. Estevan Bruins (SJHL)
7. Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL)
8. Truro Bearcats (MHL)
9. Winkler Flyers (MJHL)
10. Swan Valley Stampeders (MJHL)
11. Inouk de Granby (LHJAAAQ)
12. Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL)
13. Coburg Cougars (OJHL)
14. Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL)
15. Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL)
16. Prince George Spruce Kings (BCHL)
17. Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
18. Powell River Kings (BCHL)
19. Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL)
20. Oakville Blades (OJHL)
   
Honourable Mention: Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL); Brockville Braves (CCHL); Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL); Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL); Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ)

ABOUT THE CJHL: The Canadian Junior Hockey League is made up of the 10 Junior ‘A’ leagues across Canada and five communities in the northern U.S. Representing 133 teams and over 3,000 players, the CJHL also boasts over 2,800 alumni furthering their hockey careers at the NHL, AHL, ECHL, CHL, NCAA and U Sports levels throughout North America.