Bulldogs, Rangers, and 67’s appear in CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott: Week 26
The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) today unveiled the Week 26 edition of the CHL Top-10 Rankings presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott, marking the final rankings of the 2025-26 season.
The Everett Silvertips remain No. 1 following a historic regular season in which they captured a second straight Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL regular season champions with a 57-8-2-1 record, further cementing their status as the CHL’s top-ranked team over the past two months. Everett closed the year with key wins over Victoria and Wenatchee, highlighted by rookie Hunter Rudolph’s first WHL hat trick, while overager Rylan Gould added four points to finish with 50 on the season. The Silvertips now shift their focus to a first-round playoff matchup against Portland.
In the QMJHL, the Moncton Wildcats edged Chicoutimi for first overall, closing out the regular season with a sweep of Charlottetown behind strong performances from Gabe Smith and captain Caleb Desnoyers, while goaltender Rudy Guimond earned the Jacques Plante Trophy after posting a league-best 2.27 goals-against average. Chicoutimi, just one point back, showcased its balance all season, led by QMJHL scoring champion Maxim Massé and defenceman Alex Huang.
Out west, Prince Albert and Medicine Hat wrapped up a tight race in the WHL’s East. The Raiders finished strong with dominant wins and standout performances from Braeden Cootes and rookie Alisher Sarkenov, while the Tigers continued to lead the CHL in scoring, powered by Andrew Basha and 100-point twins Markus and Liam Ruck.
In the OHL, Brantford and Kitchener secured conference titles. The Bulldogs were led by captain Jake O’Brien and Minnesota Wild prospect Adam Benak, while Kitchener saw strong production from Sam O’Reilly and Cameron Arquette. Meanwhile, Penticton capped an impressive inaugural season by setting a new CHL record for wins by an expansion team with 44, while both Ottawa and Rouyn-Noranda entered the playoffs with strong momentum.
With the regular season complete, attention now turns to the playoffs, where the CHL’s top teams will look to build on their success. Fans can now make their picks for the Road to the Memorial Cup through the 2025-26 WHL, OHL & QMJHL Playoff Bracket Challenge Contest at chl.ca/bracket-challenge. Playoff coverage begins Thursday, March 26 on FloHockey, with four OHL games and one QMJHL matchup on the schedule, before the WHL postseason gets underway Friday, March 27 on Victory+ with all eight opening-night games.
CHL Top-10 Rankings – Week 26
6. Brantford Bulldogs (OHL): The Brantford Bulldogs (48-10-8-2) captured both the Hamilton Spectator Trophy and Leyden Trophy as OHL regular-season and Eastern Division champions. They finished strong with wins over Niagara and North Bay before closing with a loss to Brampton, maintaining their position as one of the league’s most reliable and consistent teams throughout the entire season. Captain and Seattle Kraken prospect Jake O’Brien led the way with eight points (3G-5A) in two games, finishing third in league scoring with 93 points (28G-65A) in 53 games. Minnesota Wild prospect Adam Benak added seven points (2G-5A) and completed an impressive rookie campaign with 77 points (28G-49A) in 48 games, quickly establishing himself as a key offensive piece. Brantford has been one of the most complete teams in the OHL, combining high-end offense with strong depth, structure, and consistency across all four lines. With the regular season complete, they now shift their focus to the playoffs, where expectations will be high as they open against Sudbury.
Games this week: vs. Sudbury (Mar. 27), vs. Sudbury (Mar. 29)
7. Kitchener Rangers (OHL): The Kitchener Rangers (47-14-5-2) claimed the Midwest Division title and finished as the top team in the Western Conference. They closed the season with mixed results, including losses to Sarnia and Owen Sound, but picked up a key win over Flint to build some late momentum and regain confidence heading into the playoffs. Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Sam O’Reilly led the offense with seven points (1G-6A), continuing to drive play as a primary playmaker and offensive catalyst. Cameron Arquette also had a strong week with five points (3G-2A), capping a breakout season with 45 points (17G-28A) in 68 games and showing continued growth in his offensive game. Kitchener has shown offensive depth and resilience throughout the season and will look to regroup heading into the playoffs. With contributions throughout the lineup and the ability to score in bunches, they aim to find consistency early as they open against Saginaw.
Games this week: vs. Saginaw (Mar. 27), vs. Saginaw (Mar. 29)
9. Ottawa 67’s (OHL): The Ottawa 67’s (47-15-3-3) enter the Top 10 after a strong final week, with wins over Kingston and Oshawa, despite a narrow loss in their final meeting, showing consistency and strong form heading into the postseason. Ottawa has been the top defensive team in the OHL, earning the Dave Pinkney Trophy. Goaltender and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Ryder Fetterolf also captured the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy as the top rookie goalie, highlighting their strength in net and ability to limit opposing chances effectively. Import forward and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Jasper Kuhta had a four-point week (2G-2A) and finished with 63 points (32G-31A) in 62 games, providing steady offensive production and helping lead the attack throughout the season. With elite goaltending, strong defensive structure, and timely scoring, Ottawa will look to carry its identity into the postseason as they open against Kingston, aiming to prove their defensive style can translate into playoff success.
Games this week: vs. Kingston (Mar. 27), vs. Kingston (Mar. 29)
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