Ranking every team to start November… Our Insider Panel gives their takes on the surprise teams so far…
BY Jonathan Huntington
REGINA – Every month during the regular season, our Insider Panel will rank the 12 teams. The 15-member crew consists of coaches, managers and broadcasters.
- Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors: Received the first-place vote on every ballot except two.
- Regina Pat Canadians: The only other team to receive first-place votes. As one insider said: “With Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue (in the line-up), it’s the best team.” But with those two phenoms also playing for the WHL’s Regina Pats this season, the Pat Cs look different some nights.
- Swift Current Legionnaires: By a slim margin, SC takes third place over Warman.
- Warman Wildcats: See above.
- Saskatoon Blazers: Almost ever ballot had the Blazers locked in fifth. Only three Insiders had them lower than fifth.
- Tisdale Trojans: These next three spots were separated by a small handful of votes.
- Prince Albert Mintos: Need to find more success on the road. Five of their next seven games are away from home.
- Estevan Innovex Bears: A team on the rise after winning three straight.
- Battlefords Stars: Like some other teams on the list, the Stars are hoping for more consistent play.
- Yorkton Kinsmen Maulers: An encouraging weekend, with a win and OT loss against #3-ranked SC.
- Saskatoon Contacts: Maybe the most interesting team to watch in the next 30 days.
- Notre Dame Hounds: A positive step with their first win on Saturday.
Finish Lines: Our Insiders were asked to name the team that is surprising them the most. Swift Current received the most attention. “It’s early, but… they’re on an 11-game point streak,” said one voter. Another commented: “Swift Current just seems to find ways to keep winning hockey games.” The Legionnaires also received credit for their record based on six-straight road games to start the year.
Several panel members also mentioned the Warman Wildcats as the most surprising team. “Warman has come out the gates hard, scoring more than was expected and playing good defence – making them a tough team to play any night.”
Finally, Moose Jaw also received a nod for the most surprising team: “Moose Jaw is surprising because of the unexpected players they have added back to their roster,” said a coach.
