Rankings #2
As all three leagues head for the post season, the top teams of the tier III hockey world have been solidified, but which teams are poised for a deep playoff run ?
Check out who our team of scouts believe are trending in the right direction entering crunch time.
1 - NH Avalanche EHL (24-7-0)
Previous 4
The Avalanche take over the top spot in the power rankings. With 13 NCAA commits, the program leads the league in commitments. A recent loss to the New England Wolves was their first loss since November 19, they are playing consistent, winning hockey. Michael Tersoni currently leads the league with 50 points in just 31 games, and totaled 5 goals, 5 assists in his last 5 games. Teammates Aden Hotchkiss (45 points) and Matt Carlson (41 points) are also top 10 in scoring.
2 - Boston Jr Rangers EHL (22-8-2)
Previous 2
Boston remains in the two spot after they have seen mixed results of late. The win one, lose one rotation has been going on for a month now and the Jr Rangers have allowed the Walpole Express to creep into the East division title race. The Jr Rangers will need to string some wins together against the rest of the North Division before facing off for an important home and home series vs Walpole February 11th and 12th.
3 - WBS Knights USPHL Premier (30-3-0)
Previous 6
After going 4-0 at the USPHL showcase the Knights have solidified that they are the real deal in only their first year in the league. They are one of the youngest Tier 3 programs in the country and are filled with high end talent. The Knights should see a lot of their players filter into the NCDC and higher levels of Junior next year.
4 - Granite City NA3HL (31-1-0)
Previous 5
Their dominate performance at the NA3HL showcase in late December proved that they are legit, despite a weaker schedule. Beating Helena, Texas Brahmas and Rochester in a three game stretch is no easy task, but only giving up 2 goals combined in the wins is the eye opener. Moving guys up for a shot at the NAHL is also helping their ranking.
5 - Rochester Grizzles NA3HL (25-8-0)
Previous 1
The Grizzles have stumbled a bit of a late for their standards dropping 3 of their last 4. With recent call ups to the NAHL (kudos to them for moving goes on) the depth players needed to step up and they did not. They should right the ship moving into the late part of January and into February.
6 - New Jersey 87's EHL (22-12-0)
Previous NR
Coach Adam Houli's team has figured it out of late after their slow start to the season. After an undefeated month of December, they have kept the momentum going into January. They are playing tough team defense and have not scored less than 3 goals in a game since November 19.
7 - Railers Junior Hockey Club EHL (20-9-0)
Previous 3
Worcester has not played terrible of late but they have not been playing up to the level they were playing earlier in the year. A 5-2 loss to the 87's stings but they have several opportunities vs the top of the league in upcoming weeks to make a statement.
8 - Walpole Express EHL (21-13-0)
Previous 9
All year the Express have been quietly going about their business and winning games in a tough division. They are 7-3 in their last ten and currently sit 2 points behind the Boston Jr Rangers for first in the East Division. NCAA D3 schools need to watch this team, plenty of winning talent there.
9 - Northern Cyclones USPHL Premier (25-5-0)
Previous NR
Maybe the first few rankings we did not give the Cyclones enough credit for their performances. They were dominate at the USPHL showcase defeating some quality opponents in the Florida Eels and Utah Outliers. They then swept a Rockets Hockey Club team that is loaded with D3 commits. The recent slip up over the Advantage is a head scratcher and hopefully does not derail their momentum.
10 - Charlotte Rush USHPL Premier (24-9-0)
Previous NR
The Southeast division in the USPHL Premier may have been underrated this season as the teams have been beating each other up. The Rush have rattled off 12 wins in a row and are one of the hottest teams in the country. Look for teams in this division to make some noise come playoff time.
Outside looking in
Florida Eels USPHL Premier Previous 10
Maryland EHL. Previous 7
Metro Jets USPHL Premier
Utah Outliers USPHL Premier
Texas Brahma's NA3HL
Richmond Generals USPHL Premier
Rockets Hockey Club USPHL Premier
For The Scouts
Matt Metsa - ‘01 Defensemen - Rockets Hockey Club ***
A junior veteran, Metsa is relied upon heavily for his Rockets program. He moves pucks efficiently and brings offensive upside to the Rockets lineup. On the defensive side of the puck Metsa has the ability to be matched up against the opponents top pair. He has the body and skating to play in many different roles for his team at the next level.
Spencer Hecklinger - ‘02 Forward - Utica Jr Comets ***
Hecklinger has produced 33 points in 34 games for Utica. A 2021-2022 draft pick of Utica, Hecklinger has developed into a skilled forward who has learned how to use his body to create seperation. He is used in every situation for Utica as he has rounded out his game this season.
Michael Lenhart - ‘01 Goaltender - Chicago Cougars
Posting a 92.1 save percentage for the Cougars the 6'2 goaltender has been a major reason for the Cougars success this year. He is an athletic goaltender who has the ability to steal games. He plays the game with emotion and the team rallies around him, he has all the attributes you look for in a college goaltender.
Jimmy Minnig - ‘01 Defensemen - New Hampshire Avalanche
A two year veteran for the Avalanche Minnig has been a steady two way defender since his youth career. He is efficient in every aspect of his game and this year he has accumulated 9 points in 26 games for the Avalanche. His long reach and ability to defend one on one make him an intriguing prospect.
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