Monday, October 28, 2013

Kings up to No. 2 with Warriors and Vees listed, mention for 'Backs

Press Release

CALGARY, Alberta (October 28, 2013) – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons slipped ever so slightly this past week losing close games in Brooks and Okotoks, before getting back on track against the Calgary Mustangs. The Spruce Grove Saints, who move up seven spots this week from #14 to #7, continue to fire on all cylinders as the AJHL North Division is becoming its usual competitive self every single night.

In the BCHL, the Powell River Kings are taking care of business and move from #7 to #2 in this week's rankings.  Meanwhile the West Kelowna Warriors, up 3 spots to #10, are flexing their muscles as they slipped by the Penticton Vees. And watch out for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.  After a great week, they are right in the Interior Division mix as they make an appearance as Honourable Mention this week.

The Steinbach Pistons continue to play well in the MJHL, but fall one spot to #3 as they go 1-1 on the week.  The Portage Terriers are catching fire and moving up the standings and jump into this week's rankings at #19.   In the SJHL, Kindersley drops five spots to #8 after losing both of their games this week.  Both the Yorkton Terriers and the Melville Millionaires are starting to track down the Klippers in the standings.

Fort Frances is practically unbeatable in the SIJHL, winning both of their games this week.  Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay North Stars, who sit six points back of Fort Frances with three games in hand, won their only game of the week and moved up two spots to #13 in the rankings.  In the NOJHL, the Soo Thunderbirds remain in the #4 spot after a 1-1 week.  Kirkland Lake, who are six points back of the Soo with three games in hand, are an Honourable Mention after a strong 2-0 week.

In the OJHL, the Wellington Dukes slide two spots to #11 after a 1-1 week.  The Dukes are having a tough time putting space between themselves and the Kingston Voyageurs, while Buffalo is dominating the OJHL’s West Division with a number of games still in hand.  Kingston enters the Top 20 rankings this week at #17 while Buffalo moves up two slots from #17 to #15.  In the CCHL, the Carleton Place Canadiens remain at the top of the league standings after a 2-0 week as they hold their #12 position in the rankings.  However, the Nepean Raiders are one of several teams starting to close the gap on the Canadiens.  Nepean moves into the rankings as an Honourable Mention after three wins and one loss this week.

The Titan de Princeville fall nine spots from #11 to #20 after a week in which they dropped three games in the LHJAAAQ.  As a result, a number of teams have closed the gap in on the Titan lead atop the standings.  In the MHL, the Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners make a huge jump from #18 to #9 after another solid week winning both of their games.  The Mariners are 13-1 on the season and are five points up on 2nd place Weeks and Dieppe. 

Top 20 Rankings

1.      Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL) (1)
2.      Powell River Kings (BCHL) (7)
3.      Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (2)
4.      Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) (4)
5.      Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL) (6)
6.      Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (5)
7.      Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (14)
8.      Kindersley Klippers (SJHL) (3)
9.      Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL) (18)
10.   West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) (13)
11.   Wellington Dukes (OJHL) (9)
12.   Carleton Place Canadiens (CCHL) (12)
13.   Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL) (15)
14.   Penticton Vees (BCHL) (8)
15.   Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL) (17)
16.   Yorkton Terriers (SJHL) (20)
17.   Kingston Voyageurs (OJHL) (NR)
18.   Melville Millionaires (SJHL) (NR)         
19.   Portage Terriers (MJHL) (NR)
20.   Titan de Princeville (LHJAAAQ) (11)

Honourable Mention: Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL), Okotoks Oilers (AJHL), Selkirk Steelers (MJHL), Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL), Nepean Raiders (CCHL).


 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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