THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Minnesota Wilderness are maintaining their pace atop the Superior International Junior Hockey League. The latest Canadian Junior Hockey League Top 20 rankings as the front-running Minnesota Wilderness of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League have once again maintained their hold as one of the elite clubs in the 128-team CJHL.
Despite having a 17-game winning streak in league play snapped last week following a 2-1 shootout loss to the Minnesota Iron Rangers, the squad went on to pick up two more victories after that and have now amassed 39 of a possible 40 points in their last 20 games to once again see themselves tabbed at No. 2 overall in the CJHL rankings, which are compiled each week in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting.
The two-time defending SIJHL champions sit in first place in the league standings with a 31-3-0-1 record while also holding down the second-best winning percentage in the entire 128-team CJHL at .900.
Continuing as the top ranked team in the CJHL once again this week is the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Jr. Hockey League.
Despite losing their past two games the Bandits still possess the best record in both the AJHL and CJHL at 37-2-2.
Rounding out the top three is the Maritime Hockey League’s Summerside Western Captials.
The 2013 Royal Bank Cup host Capitals are 9-1 in their past 10 and sit with the best record and winning percentage in the MHL at 28-6-2-0 and .806 respectively.
The following are the CJHL Top 20 as of Jan. 14 listing their overall ranking, their listing last week, the team as well as the league they are a member of.
1. (1) Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
2. (2) Minnesota Wilderness (SIJHL)
3. (5) Summerside Western Capitals (MHL)
4. (6) Yorkton Terriers (SJHL)
5. (4) Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL)
6. (9) Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
7. (10) Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL)
8. (8) Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
9. (3) Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL)
10. (7) Truro Bearcats (MHL)
11. (13) Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
12. (15) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
13. (NR) Surrey Eagles (BCHL)
14. (12) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
15. (11) OCN Blizzard (MJHL)
16. (16) Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)
17. (HM) Winnipeg Blues (MJHL)
18. (14) North Bay Trappers (NOJHL)
19. (18) Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL)
20. (20) College Francais de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ)
Honourable Mention: Sudbury Nickel Barons (NOJHL), Melville Millionaires (SJHL), Georgetown Raiders (OJHL), Toronto Lakeshore Patriots (OJHL) and Carleton Place Canadiens (CCHL).
The CJHL is an amalgamation of 10 Jr. A hockey leagues from across Canada.
More information on the CJHL can be found by clicking on the league website www.cjhlhockey.com.
