Everyone but Estevan is into double digits of games now as we approach the end of October, and the early field is taking shape.
A group of SJHL media decides the power rankings.
1.Melfort Mustangs (8-2-0) (Last week 1st)
Two big wins this past week have the defending champs up to a three-game win streak, and even better news is that veteran sniper Zac Somers is back and contributing. The rich get richer!
2.Weyburn Red Wings (7-4-0) (Last week 5th)
It has been six seasons since the Flin Flon Bombers were beaten twice in a row at home by the same team…until the Weyburn Red Wings did it this past weekend. A season-high seven-game win streak, terrific goaltending, and a balanced, veteran offence that can’t stop scoring.
3.Melville Millionaires (8-2-1) (Last week 3rd)
A split with their Highway 10 rival Yorkton Terriers, could have been better this past week. Still, the return of talented young goaltender Luke Brunen from the Western Hockey League and the additions of prominent veterans Liam Rodman and Wesley Golden on the back end should excite Mils’ fans even more.
4.Yorkton Terriers (5-6-0) (Last week 2nd)
Three games were forfeited due to an ineligible player hurts, but this should not overshadow the fact that this team is playing well. Rookie Callum Creig picked up his first career shutout last week in Estevan, and they took down their rival Millionaires at home Friday.
5.Kindersley Klippers (8-4-0) (Last week 4th)
There were two wins over Notre Dame this past weekend, one dominant and one dramatic, and they look to have righted the ship after a mini-slump. New additions Brayden Vandenbilche and ex-Weyburn Red Wing Rhett Vedress look good in green already.
6.Humboldt Broncos (6-3-1) (Last week 7th)
The Broncos can look like the best team in the league one night, not the next. That said, a hard-fought 1-0 win over La Ronge, earned in a shutout by debuting rookie goaltender Brady Holtvogt, looks to have Brayden Klimosko’s men back on track ahead of a big week.
7.Flin Flon Bombers (5-6-1) (Last week 6th)
The Bombers’ two home losses to the Weyburn Red Wings this past week were not poor performances, and reigning CJHL Coach of the Year Mike Reagan deserves the patience of this great fan base.
8.Battlefords North Stars (6-3-1) (Last week 10th)
The North Stars officially named club legend Marty Smith their coach, got Justen Maric back in the net, and won two solid games in Wilcox over the Notre Dame Hounds—a good week.
9.Estevan Bruins (4-3-2) (Last week 8th)
Estevan’s lone game this past week, a shutout defeat at home, was reversed due to the Yorkton forfeit, so technically, the Bruins have won four of five. Look out for Jason Tatarnic’s men to rise in the rankings fast.
10.La Ronge Ice Wolves (5-5-1) (Last week 9th)
By all accounts, the Ice Wolves were very impressive in a 1-0 Saturday night loss in Humboldt and did just enough to take down the struggling Nipawin Hawks Friday. Cole Thomas has been a revelation up the middle for La Ronge, as has the goaltending tandem of Logan Falk and Graham Brown.
11.Nipawin Hawks (2-9-1) (Last week 12th)
The young Hawks have been in many games this year and were gifted a win in the Yorkton forfeits. Losses to La Ronge and Melfort this past week were tough, but a little homestand is coming. WHL returnee Ashton Tait also finally scored, so more good news! He should really help.
12.Notre Dame Hounds (2-11-0) (Last week 11th)
The Hounds have not played poorly the last four games but have gotten no bounces. A late lead blow killed their dreams at a split this weekend in Kindersley, and they ran into Justen Maric mid-week.