By Jacques Teasdale
The Standings
In the Western Conference, the London Nationals dominated January securing their top spot with 58 points and an impressive win percentage of 0.725. They are lead by Lucas Chard a dynamic forward with now a team best 53 points and 20 of the points in the month of January, in his third year with the Nationals.
St. Marys Lincolns also had a strong month, catching up to the Nationals’ great record and maintaining a solid win percentage of 0.705, placing them in second with 55 points. Noticeable star Colby Booth-Housego leading the charge with a .927 save percentage with 14 wins in 21 games played.
The LaSalle Vipers faced a couple of setbacks, going 0-2-0-0, but their overall performance kept them in the top three with 55 points and a wins percentage of 0.688. Also, lead by star goalie Tre Altiman with a .930 save percentage and 20 wins in 31 games played, this month he stepped up his game to a new level with a .948 across 7 games played.
As for the rest of the conference, Strathroy is not to far behind LaSalle. As they are lead by dynamic forces of Ethan Facchina and Matthew Souliere. In 36 games, the two tallied an outstanding combined 88 points, demonstrating remarkable offensive prowess with a scoring rate of 1.28 and 1.17 points per game. As well as, Jimmy Sutherland with a stellar 14 points in 10 games in the month of January.
Mid-Western Conference
Moving to the Midwestern Conference, the Listowel Cyclones showcased dominance in January, leading the conference with 61 points and a remarkable win percentage of 0.782. Backstopped by the dynamic goaltending duo of Dixon Grimes with save percentage of .938 and 5 wins with 2 shutouts in 6 games played this month.
Elmira Sugar Kings faced challenges with a 0-3-0-0 record past couple of games, but their overall performance kept them in second place with 54 points and a points percentage of 0.659. The fourhead monster of Liam Eveleigh, Brendan Gerber, Joey Martin, and Luke Della Croce, have speared heard their way throughout the season.
The KW Siskins secured 53 points with a 24-10-1-4 record, maintaining a win percentage of 0.679 and securing the third spot. Notable performer of the month Jake DaSilva with 10 goals in 10 games with a total 17 points helping the Siskins remain near the top. GOJHL 3 The Stratford
Warriors a young team, that has a great month with the most representatives at the St. Andrews College Macpherson tournament with a total 5. Names including Casey Bridgwater, Carson Harmer, Joe Brehmer, Michael Denney, and Brayden Stumpf. They pushed this team in a contending position for the approaching playoffs.
Golden Horseshoe Conference
In the Golden Horseshoe Conference, the Caledonia Corvairs continued their strong performance, leading the conference with 58 points and a win percentage of 0.784. Jayden Lammel, continues to dominate with a 62 point season. He has helped continue Caledonia’s first place reputation. With two games back of LaSalle, they are one goal behind the lead for team goals for on the year.
Fort Erie Meteors had an outstanding month securing 57 points and a win percentage of 0.770, placing them second. A defensive powerhouse of a team adds more weapons with playmaking centre Sam Tonelli, and pushes into second place. They continue this strong system play with a second place team GAA of 2.30. Notable players such a Liam Beamish and Kyle Adamo remain the driving force behind this rising team.
The St. Catharines Falcons had a solid month, maintaining a points percentage of 0.718 and securing the third spot with 56 points. With many new additions such as Dylan Pergentile, Nathan Kelley, and Grayson Gare, they could be prized for a strong playoff push. Nonetheless, their big veteran core 3 of Tyler Hunt, Caleb Thompson, and Brendan Anderson remain the biggest threat to teams.
Power Rankings Recap
Caledonia falls three spots to third, after starting the month in 1st. Nonetheless, they remain the best statistical defensive and offensive teams in the league, ranking top 3 in goals for and goals against. The new leader is now Listowel Cyclones, they are no stranger to first on the power rankings however they have been knocked of a few times now. However they are back at the top of the food chain. As they are arguable the best defensive team in the league, with two talented goalies. With Luke Eurig continuing to dominate on the offensive end for the Cyclones. Fort Erie again is in second they have been all over the power rankings this year, but never first. Could next week be there first time on the top of the power rankings? Finally, back on the list is St.Mary’s with ongoing current streak of 4-0-0-0, lead by halfway through the season addition of rookie Cohen Bidgood. Who is your favourite to finish the season of first in the power rankings as the postional playoff race heats up?
