The SJHL Source Embroidery Power Rankings for the week ended Feb. 16:
1. Melfort Mustangs (35-7-3-5): They’ve clinched first place in the Sherwood Division and just a matter of time before they clinch first overall too.
2. Kindersley Klippers (35-11-3-3): A five-point swing away from clinching the Kramer Division. They are the, likely, #2 seed barring a Melfort collapse.
3. Notre Dame Hounds (32-13-1-4): Nobody is really talking about the Hounds but they are unbeaten in seven during a time in which Hound teams of the past are, usually, showing signs of fatigue.
4. Nipawin Hawks (30-15-2-4): For being such a good team, the Hawks may end up in a 4 vs 5 series with Notre Dame as opposed to a 3 vs 6 series against the Viterra Division winner.
5. Flin Flon Bombers (27-11-6-6): Tied with Nipawin in points and also have a game in hand, but the Hawks handled them this week. A loss to La Ronge has to be concerning too.
6. Battlefords North Stars (24-19-6-1): Losers of three in a row, but could be a sign the players aren’t fooled. They will be the seventh seed and have known that for quite some time.
7. Humboldt Broncos (22-23-5-0): They’ve dropped two straight, including one to Melville, but will get the benefit of the doubt based on their last ten games.
8. Melville Millionaires (24-24-2-2): A chance to forget about Estevan and Weyburn, but they lost both home and home games against the worst team in the league. It’s forced them to go into playoff mode NOW as they have a chance to be the 3 seed or drop to as low as tenth.
9. Weyburn Red Wings (20-22-6-2): Somehow they are back to within striking distance of the division nobody wants to win. Four back of Melville with two in hand and a game against the Mils next Saturday.
10. Estevan Bruins (20-24-1-6): Very disappointing week as they take a step back. Five points behind Melville and two games against the Mils to end the year.
11. La Ronge Ice Wolves (18-24-3-5): They’ve been above .500 in their last 10 and have shown more hunger and desire than any of the four teams in the Viterra. Wrong division for the Ice Wolves.
12. Yorkton Terriers (17-29-3-3): Three-game win streak is, likely, too little too late.
Who’s hot?
Riley Hunt, Yorkton (7-3-9-12): A six-point game against Estevan last week bolsters a decent stretch.
Sam Aulie, Notre Dame (8-6-7-13): Top offensive player on the league’s hottest team.
Ian Williams, Notre Dame (6-5-5-10): Points in six straight after an uneven mid-January stretch.
Colby Daniels, La Ronge (7-3-4-7): Ice Wolves will need more of the same from Daniels as they embark on a big season deciding road trip.
Richard Palmer, Melfort (3-0-0-1, 0.49, .978 2SO): Early dibs on Goalie Of The Month.
Alexi Thibaudeau, Notre Dame (3-0-0-1, 1.22, .949 1SO): A big part of Hound six game win streak.
Simon Hofley, Flin Flon (3-2, 1.81, .948, 1SO): Has rebounded nicely after a rough handful of games in January.
