THUNDER BAY- Sports- The Minnesota Wilderness have a firm hand atop the SIJHL. An impressive 25-game run that that has seen them go 24-0-0-1 in that span is just one of the reasons that Minnesota Wilderness of the Superior International Junior Hockey League continue to be highly regarded across the entire Canadian Jr. Hockey League. With the latest CJHL Top 20 rankings, which are formulated in conjunction with NHL Central Scouting, being announced Monday, the Wilderness once again maintained their place among the elite earning the No. 2 overall listing once again.
The Minnesota Wilderness will take on the Thunder Bay North Stars for five straight games starting with a three game home stand followed by two games on the road against the league leading Wilderness.
Minnesota Wilderness Looking Strong
The SIJHL leaders have not lost in regulation since Oct. 24 and have only suffered defeat three times in regulation and once in a shootout all season.
There was no change once again among the other two squads rated in the CJHL’s top three.
The Alberta Jr. Hockey League’s Brooks Bandits maintained their hold as the top team overall while the surging Summerside Western Capitals over in the Maritime Hockey League stay at No. 3.
Brooks are winners of six straight games and boast the top record in the CJHL at 43-2-2.
As for Summerside, they too remain one of the hottest team in the CJHL as well having reeled off 15 victories in succession.
The 2013 Royal Bank Cup hosts are first overall in the MHL at 34-6-0-2.
The following are the CJHL Top 20 teams, as of Jan. 28, listing their overall ranking, their position last week, as well as the league they are a member of.
1. (1) Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
2. (2) Minnesota Wilderness (SIJHL)
3. (3) Summerside Western Capitals (MHL)
4. (6) Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL)
5. (5) Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL)
6. (11) Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
7. (9) Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL)
8. (10) Truro Bearcats (MHL)
9. (7) Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL)
10. (8) Dauphin Kings (MJHL)
11. (4) Yorkton Terriers (SJHL)
12. (12) Penticton Vees (BCHL)
13. (HM) Georgetown Raiders (OJHL)
14. (17) Winnipeg Blues (MJHL)
15. (16) Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)
16. (18) North Bay Trappers (NOJHL)
17. (NR) Surrey Eagles (BCHL)
18. (19) Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL)
19. (12) Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)
20. (20) College Francais de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ)
Honourable Mention: Sudbury Nickel Barons (NOJHL), Melville Millionaires (SJHL), OCN Blizzard (MJHL), Carleton Place Canadiens (CCHL), Amherst Ramblers (MHL).
The CJHL is an amalgamation of 10 Jr. A hockey leagues across Canada.
More information on the CJHL can be found by visiting the league website www.cjhlhockey.com.
