Lakers move in Top 20 rankings, Ice Dogs hold steady

Some movement among SIJHL teams in the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s weekly Top 20.

The Fort Frances Lakers inched up from the 17th spot to number 15 after taking over the league lead from the idle Dryden G-M Ice Dogs.

The Lakers swept a pair of games against the Ironwood Lumberjacks to move three points ahead of the Ice Dogs.

The Dogs still hold down the ranking’s 13th spot.

The Rockland Nationals of the Central Central League Hockey remain the number 1 junior A team in Canada.

The Niverville Nighthawks, leaders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, continue to occupy the number 2 ranking.

The weekly rankings are compiled by an independent scouting service.

Here is the complete list, following games completed on February 1.

CJHL TOP 20
RANK TEAM (LEAGUE) (PREVIOUS WEEK)

1. Rockland Nationals (CCHL) (1)
2. Niverville Nighthawks (MJHL) (2)
3. Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJAAAQ) (3)
4. Toronto Patriots (OJHL) (4)
5. Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL) (6)
6. Panthères de St-Jérôme (LHJAAAQ) (5)
7. Steinbach Pistons (MJHL) (7)
8. Collingwood Blues (OJHL) (10)
9. Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) (14)
10. Stouffville Spirit (OJHL) (8)
11. Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL) (13)
12. Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL) (12)
13. Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL) (13)
14. Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) (18)
15. Fort Frances Lakers (SIJHL) (17)
16. Timmins Rock (NOJHL) (9)
17. Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) (20)
18. Weyburn Red Wings (SJHL) (NR)
19. Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) (15)
20. Kemptville 73’s (CCHL) (HM)