EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – Although the Edmundston Blizzard recorded two convincing wins last week, they dropped one spot in the Canadian standings, finishing 19th in the final Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) rankings of the season.
The Blizzard have won 30 of their last 32 games, the most of any of the 118 Canadian junior teams. The way the teams are rated is not a true reflection of their value. The ranking seems to be based on the performance of the entire season rather than an evolutionary ranking.
The Blizzard (36-12-0-1) defeated the Fredericton Red Wings 6-3 (Friday) and the Miramichi Timberwolves 8-3 (Saturday). Edmundston will complete its regular season this week with three games on Thursday, March 9 (at Fredericton), Friday, March 10 (hosting Grand Falls) and Sunday, March 12 (at Summerside).
The Yarmouth Mariners (39-9-2-0 = 80 points) finished the season ranked 10th in the country.
The defending Centennial Cup champions, the Brooks Bandits (AJHL, 53-5-1-1) finished first for the season. They are followed by the Battlefords North Stars (SJHL, 45-5-2-1) and the Terrebonne Cobras (LHJAAAQ, 42-5-0-0).
The CJHL is a national organization comprised of nine Junior A leagues from Alberta to the Maritimes. The CJHL currently represents 118 teams and well over 2,500 players. There are also 3,000-plus CJHL alumni furthering their hockey careers at the NHL, AHL, ECHL, SPHL, NCAA, U SPORTS and CHL levels across North America as well as leagues across Europe.
– 30 –
Photo
Blizzard players are congratulating each other after their latest home win on Friday, March 3. (Photo Percy Picard)
– 30 –
Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone