EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick – The Edmundston Blizzard may claim one of the best records in the country in the last 19 games, in which they have won 18, they are struggling to climb the national rankings, as published today by the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL). Although, the Blizzard maintained its honorable mention.
The Yarmouth Mariners (25-7-1-0), who are 16-2-1-0 in their last 19 outings, are now ranked 9th in the nation, up six spots from January 16.
It seems that the people responsible for determining the positions in the country rely mainly on the overall mathematical ranking and not on other factors such as exceptional streaks during the season. Overall, the Blizzard is 24-11-0-1 and sits first in the MHL Eastlink North Division. Two big tests await them this weekend when they face their eternal rivals, the Summerside Western Capitals, Friday and Saturday in Edmundston.
On the Canadian scene, long-time No. 1 North Stars Battlefords (SJHL, 34-3-2-1) have dropped to fourth. First place is now occupied by the Terrebonne Cobras (LHJAAAQ, 31-3-0-0), followed by the Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL, 36-3-1-1) and the Brooks Bandits (AJHL, 40-4-1-1).
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.
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Blizzard in action on Saturday evening against the Truro Bearcats. (Photo James Faulkner)
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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone