6) Minot Minotauros 9-3-1-0
Previous 8
Starting the month off losing to Aberdeen, Minot responded nicely going 4-3 the rest of the month including a split over Austin. A big two-week stretch coming up for Minot as they have crucial match-ups vs Aberdeen and Austin that could help propel this team to long term success. The goaltending tandem of Brady James and James Norton have kept Minot in games and have proven to be X factors nightly.
5) Minnesota Wilderness 11-3-2-0
Previous NR
Coming back from a so/so performance at the NAHL showcase, the Wilderness currently sit up top the Midwest Division with a 6-point standing lead on Anchorage. With their last loss coming back on September 23, the Wilderness have been one of the hottest teams in the league. They currently sit top 10 in the league in both special team's categories and recently posted 3 shutouts vs Chippewa in four games.
4) El Paso Rhinos 11-4-0-1
Previous 9
El Paso has stayed status quo through October and have done their jobs. There are several question marks regarding this team on both sides of the puck, but will have a chance to prove any doubters wrong in November. With four straight games vs Lone Star followed by series' vs New Mexico and Amarillo, if the Rhinos come out the other side with a winning record, they can be a real player in the South division this year.
3) Lone Star Brahmas 12-5-0-1
Previous NR
The biggest mover in this power ranking edition is the Lone Star Brahmas who currently sit up top the South Division with a small lead. Taking advantage of the bottom of the division through October going 7-1 including a big weekend split of Shreveport, they have looked like a complete team. Struggling at the NAHL showcase, this team has made big strides in a short period of time. They have a real chance to put separation on the second place El Paso Rhino's as they have four straight vs their in-state rival.
2) Maryland BlackBears 13-3-1-1
Previous 3
Staying the top 3 are the Blackbears of Maryland. Outside of one tough weekend vs the Nordiques, the Blackbears have been cruising with sweeps over the Titans, New Hampshire and Danbury. Their team defense has been impressive as they have only allowed 2.25 goals against in the month of October have consistently held their opponents to less than 30 shots a game.
1) Austin Bruins 10-3-1-0
Previous 2
Taking the top spot in this version of the power ranking are the Bruins. Austin through October went 5-3 and have at times looked like a vulnerable team. They have struggled to put the puck in the net only averaging 2.3 goals a game through the month. They will have a tough three week stretch with Bismarck, Minot and Aberdeen; if they struggle throughout that stretch this team may not be as complete as we initially thought.
For the Scouts
Jack O'Hanisain - ‘04 Forward - Minot Minotauros
The 04' was hot early in October as he netted 6 goals in 5 games. He has cooled off a bit as he has not found the net in four straight games. O'Hanisain has the ability to shoot the puck quickly in high traffic areas and does a great job finding the soft areas of the ice. A tad inconsistent still, he has some tools that translate to higher levels of hockey.
Justin Mexico - ‘03 Forward - North Iowa Bulls
Sitting at a point per game, Mexico has done a lot with not a lot around him this season in North Iowa. With 113 games played, Mexico has proven to be one of the most consistent performers in the league. He has rounded out his game to become a 200-foot player that can play all situations for his club. Mexico is a player that NCAA D1 schools be looking closely at moving forward.
Will Lawrence - ‘03 Forward - Johnstown Tomahawks
Lawrence was hot all October as he found the scoresheet in all but one game on the month. Currently sitting with a three-game goal streak, Lawrence has taken a visible large step in his development in his second year in the NAHL. Playing with tremendous pace and energy, he is a lot to handle for his opponents, especially given that he has a high-end hockey IQ. His once small frame looks to be filled out as he has put on some muscle, he is a must watch for College's.
Jake Peterson - ‘03 Defensemen - Springfield Jr. Blues
Commit : Air Force
Peterson has proven to be a consistent performer on the defensive side of the puck for the Jr. Blues. This season he has gained much more confidence with the puck on his stick and has shown the ability to distribute the puck at a much higher level this season. He continues to get stronger and often see's the other team's top players all of which will have him ready for College.
Dylan Krick - ‘05 Goaltender - New Jersey Titans
One of the younger goaltenders in the NAHL, Krick has stepped into the Titans net and has blossomed as a rising prospect. Currently sitting with a 91.2 save percentage and a 2.10 GAA on the year, Krick is riding high as he also is a winner of 3 straight. Krick is a good mix of size and athletic ability, he has shown good instincts this season and the game does not look fast for him. Krick is one of the top NCAA D1 prospects in the country.
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