Beasts of the NOJHL East
Soo Thunderbirds of the West Division are currently in first place overall in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League but the second, third, fourth and fifth-ranked clubs in the 12-team loop are all from the East Division.
With 65 points, the West Division Thunderbirds lead the NOJHL overall standings.
Then, following the Thunderbirds — and rounding out the top five in the 12-team NOJHL — are four beasts from the East, Cochrane Crunch with 59 points, Powassan Voodoos with 53, Kirkland Lake Gold Miners with 51 and Timmins Rock with 47.
To take it a step further, Timmins, which is in fourth place in the East, would currently be in second spot in the West.
And come playoff time, the stark reality is that two of Cochrane, Powassan, Kirkland Lake and Timmins will be eliminated from championship contention after the first round of the post-season.
To be sure, in looking ahead to the East Division playoffs, the pressure is squarely on Kirkland Lake, which gets an automatic entry into May’s Dudley-Hewitt Cup, Central Canada Championships as host entry.
Should Kirkland Lake lose in the first round of the playoffs, the Gold Miners will be idle for several weeks prior to the start of the DHC.
PHOTO: Cochrane Crunch and Timmins Rock, in recent NOJHL action. (Photo by Timmins Daily Press.)
Voodoos Aaron Dart and Michael Silveri both impressed Battalion fans with their play when they were recently called up. Dart scored a beauty goal and Silveri’s size fit in well with Butler’s style.
I would advise not to under-estimate Elliot Lake. Lots of talent there, and 6 games in hand I believe? Powassan sliding after a fantastic start since losing Harland . Kirkland Lake on the move, and you’re bang on about the pressure of hosting the Dudley-Hewitt!