TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) announced Monday its initial Top 20 Rankings, plus honourable mentions, for the 2023-24 season.
Topping the initial table, compiled by an independent scouting service, are the Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL).
Smiths Falls, who were Central Canada Hockey League finalists last season, have rolled out to a 6-0-0-0 start under head coach and general manager, Pat Malloy.
Coming in at No. 2 in the 122-team CJHL are the unbeaten Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
They are followed by another CCHL side, in the Rockland Nationals, who have begun their campaign at 5-0-0-0.
With a solid 8-0-0-0 start to their Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League season, the Greater Sudbury Cubs see themselves ranked fourth in the national listings.
Meanwhile, having only allowed four goals-against to commence play in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, the 4-0-0-0 Winkler Flyers come in at No. 5 to begin October.
The following are the CJHL Top 20 Rankings, and honourable mentions, as of Oct. 2.
CJHL TOP 20 (As of Oct. 2/23)
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE)
1. Smiths Falls Bears (CCHL)
2. Humboldt Broncos (SJHL)
3. Rockland Nationals (CCHL)
4. Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL)
5. Winkler Flyers (MJHL)
6. Melfort Mustangs (SJHL)
7. Sioux Lookout Bombers (SIJHL)
8. Collingwood Blues (OJHL)
9. L’Everest de la Côte-Sud (LHJAAAQ)
10. Brooks Bandits (AJHL)
11. Edmundston Blizzard (MHL)
12. Niverville Nighthawks (MJHL)
13. Markham Royals (OJHL)
14. Calgary Canucks (AJHL)
15. Panthères de St-Jérôme (LHJAAAQ)
16. Braves de Valleyfield (LHJAAAQ)
17. Summerside Western Capitals (MHL)
18. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL)
19. Powassan Voodoo (NOJHL)
20. Camrose Kodiaks (AJHL)
HONOURABLE MENTION: Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL); Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL); Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL); Milton Menace (OJHL); Cornwall Colts (CCHL).
