TORONTO – With 40 victories to their credit, through their first 46 outings this season, the Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) continue to maintain their hold on the No. 1 slot in the most recent Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top 20 Rankings, released Monday.
Having played .902 hockey to date and sporting a solid record of 40-3-2-1, Battlefords has become the first side in the Saskatchewan Jr. A ranks to secure a playoff spot.
Moving to No. 2 nationally in the weekly listings, which are compiled by an independent scouting service, are the Brooks Bandits (AJHL).
Brooks, who are approaching the 100-point plateau on the campaign, boast the best record in the 16-team Alberta Junior Hockey League at 46-5-1-1.
Up to No. 3 in the weekly listing are the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL).
They too have reached the 40-win plateau this season, having gone an OJHL-best 40-4-2-2 to date to pace the pack in their 21-club loop in southern Ontario.
Meanwhile, the Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ) are slotted No. 4 in the CJHL.
At 35-5-0-0, Terrebonne still tops the table among the 13 Jr. A squads in Quebec.
Rounding out the Top 5 are the Collingwood Blues (OJHL).
A model of consistency in the OJHL, the Blues have hit the right notes for much of 2022-23 season, as their overall mark of 38-7-0-1 would indicate.
The following, listed below, is the latest CJHL Top 20 Rankings, for the period ending February 12:
CJHL TOP 20 (As of Feb. 13, 2023)
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (PREVIOUS RANKING)
1. Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) (1)
2. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (3)
3. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) (4)
4. Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ) (2)
5. Collingwood Blues (OJHL) (5)
6. Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (7)
7. Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL) (8)
8. Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners (MHL) (11)
9. Collège Français de Longueuil (LJHAAAQ) (9)
10. Timmins Rock (NOJHL) (13)
11. Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL) (6)
12. Portage Terriers (MJHL) (10)
13. Kam River Fighting Walleye (SIJHL) (16)
14. Haliburton County Huskies (OJHL) (15)
15. Georgetown Raiders (OJHL) (12)
16. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (14)
17. Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL) (NR)
18. Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) (19)
19. Navan Grads (CCHL) (20)
20. Edmundston Blizzard (HM) (MHL)
HONOURABLE MENTION: Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL); Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL); Blind River Beavers (NOJHL); Burlington Cougars (OJHL); Wellington Dukes (OJHL).
Photo credit: Martin Martinson / battlefords NOW