NAHL Power Rankings #2
For most of the early portion of the NAHL season, many clubs have seen major swings in performances. There have been teams of late that have had a massive upswing in performances, and then there are those bottom feeding teams that have yet to come out of their funk. As the season enters November, we expect the teams trending in the right direction will continue to do based off of how they looked of late.
Austin Bruins (8-3-1-1)
Previous Rank : 1
Since being impressive at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota the Bruins have seen some up and down play of late. Recently being swept by Minot, the Bruins need to respond this weekend vs Aberdeen. 02' Forward and former North Christian Academy standout Jens Richards has 15pts in 12 games played. Richards stands at 6'3 and has unbelievable poise with the puck, he has no issues with pace and has learned how to use his body in the NAHL, D1 teams should take note of his ability.
Springfield Jr Blues (10-5-0-0)
Previous Rank : 2
Springfield has played an unbelievably tough schedule and still has a tough schedule coming up as well. After coming back from Alaska, they have a home stand vs Chippewa and then they are heading back to Alaska. Early on they look battle tested and should show well. 01 Forward Jon Panisa has been a power play threat and has really taken a step in his play away from the puck this season.
Fairbanks Ice Dogs (9-4-0-1)
Previous Rank : 4
There is no question that home ice advantage helps the Ice Dogs as they are averaging 2,242 attendees a night. In their recent homestand the Ice Dogs went 4-2 and in their last ten they are 7-3. They have a quick trip to Kenai to face the rival Brown Bears, a match up where they normally see success in and then they are back home to face Janesville and Springfield. Overall, they are a good-looking and deep team that is extremely hard to beat on a night-to-night basis.
Amarillo Wranglers (9-3-0-0)
Previous Rank : 6
This team has been trending in the right direction as of late with back to back sweeps of Shreveport and Lone Star. They have a bye week before heading into an absolute battle vs Shreveport. Forward Kristaps Skrastins took the league by storm at the NAHL showcase accumulating 10 points, he has continued his success with 9 points in 7 games. 02' Defensemen Jakob Peterson has been very solid thus far, he is a puck moving defenseman and should start to get some college attention.
Odessa Jackalopes (9-4-0-0)
Previous Rank : Unranked
Seven wins and three losses in their last ten, this Odessa team is a must watch for fans. Coach Scott Deur has assembled a well balanced squad that is built for success in the south. NAHL first year players Christopher Duclair, Emerson Goode and Rylan Yates have been not only transitioning well into the league, but they are actually finding tremendous success. Veteran Defensemen Evan Orr and Charlie Banquier have been anchors on the blue line this season. The Jackalopes have a big 3 game set this weekend vs Lone Star and all eyes will be on them to see if this team is for real.
Just on the outside looking in
Maryland Blackbears
New Mexico Ice Wolves
Aberdeen Wings
North Iowa Bulls
Minnesota Wilderness
For The Scouts
Tommy Bannister - ‘01 Forward - New Jersey Titans
Commit : Uncommitted
Bannister has taken a step forward in his second year in the NAHL since coming from the BCHL. In his last three games Bannister has accumulated 8 points and has 22 total on the season. He has a tremendous mind for the game as he finds the soft areas of the offensive zone regularly and works well off the puck. With puck possession he has shown the ability to distribute to his teammates and he can absolutely finish the puck. Bannister is also shifty so he can change speeds and directions very quickly making him hard to contain.
Greg Japchen - ‘01 Defensemen - North Iowa Bulls
Commit : Union College
Japchen has come a long way in his defensive game. Previously known as an offensive type of defensemen, he is now a combination of both. At 6'3, he brings physical play and is very imposing to play against. His foot speed allows him to get around the ice with ease and his reach allows him to cover even more ice. This 20 year old year is off to a great start and he should have no issues transitioning from Junior to College next season.
Arthur Smith - ‘04 Goaltender Lone Star Brahmas
Commit : Uncommitted
Not only one of the youngest goaltenders in the league but one of the youngest players overall, Smith has moments where you can see the high end talent coming out of him. The issue so far for Smith has been simply his inconsistency to manage games from start to start. Technically sound, Smith relies on his positioning and frame to stop pucks. Smith is still adjusting to the speed but he anticipates the play well and arrives on time for the most part. He is a player for both college and pro scouts to track the rest of the way this season.
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