Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Initial CJHL rankings for 2023 see Battlefords North Stars Remain at #1

(Photo credit: Martin Martinson / battlefords NOW)

 

TORONTO – Starting 2023 the same way they wrapped up 2022, the Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) are slotted No. 1 overall in the initial Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top 20 Rankings to commence the New Year.In the tabulations, released Monday, Battlefords have still to suffer a defeat in regulation time on the campaign, while boasting an impressive 31-0-2-1 mark in Saskatchewan.At No. 2 nationally, another surging side, in le Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ), have reeled off 18 consecutive victories and have opened up a double-digit point lead in overall standings in Quebec, with their solid run that has produced a record of 30-2-0-0.Tabbed No. 3 in the 118-team CJHL, in the listings compiled by an independent scouting service, are the Alberta front-runners, the Brooks Bandits (AJHL).Having already secured a playoff spot, the defending Centennial Cup champions sport a 37-3-1-1 mark.Sitting No. 4 and 5 respectively are two OJHL clubs in the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and the Collingwood Blues.Toronto has gone 33-3-1-1 to date while Collingwood is also playing well over .800 hockey, at 29-4-0-1, to help pace the pack in southern Ontario.The following are the current CJHL Top 20 Rankings, as well as the five Honourable Mention clubs, for the period ending January 8:CJHL TOP 20 (As of Jan. 9, 2023)RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (PREVIOUS RANKING)1. Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) (1)2. Cobras de Terrebonne (LHJAAAQ) (2)3. Brooks Bandits (AJHL) (3)4. Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL) (4)5. Collingwood Blues (OJHL) (5)6. Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL) (7)7. Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL) (9)8. Titan de Princeville (LHJAAAQ) (12)9. Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL) (8)10. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (6)11. Timmins Rock (NOJHL) (15)12. Kam River Fighting Walleye (SIJHL) (11)13. Haliburton County Huskies (OJHL) (13)14. Portage Terriers (MJHL) (10)15. Yarmouth Jr. A Mariners (MHL) (17)16. Cobourg Cougars (OJHL) (HM)17. Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL) (HM)18. Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL) (16)19. Collège Français de Longueuil (LJHAAAQ) (18)20. Navan Grads (CCHL) (NR)HONOURABLE MENTION: Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL); Burlington Cougars (OJHL); Wellington Dukes (OJHL); Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL); Summerside Western Capitals (MHL).