CALGARY, Alta. – As a new month awaits, it is still a familiar name atop the latest list of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top 20 Rankings.
The Brooks Bandits, regular season champions of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, maintain their No. 1 slot in the weekly listings, which are compiled by an independent scouting service.
Brooks, winners of the Dave Duchak Trophy, as first place finisher in the AJHL for a fifth time in franchise history, wrapped up their slate going 52-6-2-0 as they now gear up for the playoffs.
Holding firm at No. 2 nationally is Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ) as the front-runners in Quebec have reeled over 16 consecutive victories.
They also sport an equally stellar record of 26-3-1-0.
Moving back up to No. 3 in the rankings are the Ottawa Jr. A Senators (CCHL).
Leading the pack in the 12-team Central Canada Hockey League, Ottawa boasts 32-4-1-1 mark so far this season.
Another perennial CJHL power, the Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) are tabbed No. 4 as February comes to a close.
Through their first 30 games, the Western Capitals have gone 25-3-1-1 in leading the way among the dozen Jr. A clubs in the Maritimes.
Winners of 10 in succession down the stretch, the Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) come in at No. 5 in the country.
Spruce Grove claim the AJHL’s Viterra North Division title by finishing up with a record of 46-9-5-0.
The following are the latest CJHL Top 20 Rankings, as well as the five Honourable Mention clubs:
CJHL TOP 20 RANKINGS (As of Feb. 28/22)
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (Previous ranking)
1. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (1)
2. Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ) (2)
3. Ottawa Jr. A Senators (CCHL) (5)
4. Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) (4)
5. Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (8)
6. Kam River Fighting Walleye (SIJHL) (3)
7. Red Lake Miners (SIJHL) (6)
8. Panthères de St-Jérôme (LHJAAAQ) (10)
9. Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) (20)
10. Estevan Bruins (SJHL) (9)
11. Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL) (11)
12. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (12)
13. Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) (13)
14. Timmins Rock (NOJHL) (7)
15. Burlington Cougars (OJHL) (17)
16. Pickering Panthers (OJHL) (16)
17. Dauphin Kings (MJHL) (17)
18. Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL) (HM)
19. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) (14)
20. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (HM)
HONOURABLE MENTION: Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL); Soo Eagles (NOJHL); Milton Menace (OJHL); North York Rangers (OJHL); Fredericton Red Wings (MHL).
Photo credit: Emily Duncan