Yaks Ranked 11th in CJHL

The Bonnyville Jr A Pontiacs have been ranked number 11 in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), announced the league on Monday. The rankings list the top 20 Junior Hockey teams in the country.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs move up the rankings from 19^th to number 11 this week in the AJHL winning their last 4 games.

The weekly listings, that are compiled by an independent scouting service and which uses a variety of factors to determine the rankings, has the Nipawin Hawks (SJHL) remaining No .1 in the 133-team CJHL as they continue with their unbeaten record, which currently stands at 6-0.

Staying at No. 2 nationally are the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL), as they too have yet to taste defeat to date while boasting a 7-0 mark to commence the campaign.

Working their way up to No. 3 is the Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL), who enter action this week at 4-0.

Sliding up to No. 4 are the 6-0 Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners (MHL) while the Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL) soar to No. 5 after having started their year going 4-0-1 in five road starts.

The CJHL enters the second month of the season with only four squads that have yet to suffer a defeat of any sort while three others’ only blemish has been in either overtime or following a shootout setback.

CJHL Top 20 (As of Oct. 1)
RK TEAM (LEAGUE) (LAST WEEK)
1. Nipawin Hawks (SJHL)  (1)
2. Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) (2)
3. Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL) (7)
4. Yarmouth Jr. ‘A’ Mariners (MHL) (15)
5. Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL) (NR)
6. Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) (13)
7. Powassan VooDoos (NOJHL) (12)
8. Inouk de Granby (LHJAAAQ) (11)
9. Brockville Braves (CCHL) (HM)
10. Les Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJQ) (HM)
11. Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL) (19)
12. Aurora Tigers (OJHL) (NR)
13. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (NR)
14. Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) (NR)
15. Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL) (14)
16. Oakville Blades (OJHL) (20)
17. Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL) (NR)
18. Calgary Mustangs (AJHL) (NR)
19. Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) (HM)
20. Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL) (NR)

The Bonnyville Pontiacs are home to the Spruce Grove Saints on Friday, with the top spot in the north on the line. The Yaks will be celebrating World Girls’ Ice Hockey weekend with a special pre-game ceremony. Puck drops at 7:30 pm at the RJ Lalonde Arena.