Prince Albert Raiders hold steady in top spot of Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings

Toronto, Ont. – The Canadian Hockey League today announced the week six edition of the Kia CHL Top-10 Rankings for the 2018-19 season. The weekly rankings of the CHL’s Top-10 teams are selected by a panel of National Hockey League scouts.

Retaining the number one spot this week were the Prince Albert Raiders, who picked up two more wins against U.S. Division opponents. Saturday, the offensive floodgates opened in an 8-2 victory over the Spokane Chiefs. Tuesday, the Raiders improved to 7-0-0-0 at home, with a 3-0 win against the Everett Silvertips. WHL leading scorer Brett Leason became the first player in the CHL to hit the 30-point plateau in Tuesday’s contest, scoring twice. Leason is dominating in both goals (13) and assists (17), leading the league in both categories. The Raiders make a quick trip south to face the Moose Jaw Warriors on Wednesday, October 24 (7:00 p.m. MT) before beginning a five-game home stand.

Moving up a single spot in the rankings this week were the Vancouver Giants, who went 1-1-1-0 on their three-game weekend. After a 5-3 loss to the Portland Winterhawks Friday south of the border, the Giants were handed a 2-1 overtime defeat by the Winterhawks at the Langley Events Centre. They closed out their weekend with a 3-1 win over the visiting Kelowna Rockets. Playing in the team’s final two games of the weekend earned Trent Miner the honours as the WHL Eli Wilson Goaltending Goaltender of the Week. Miner has yet to lose in regulation this season, posting a 3-0-1-0 record, 1.24 goals-against-average, a 0.958 save percentage and one shutout. The Giants will continue their eight-game home stand Saturday, October 27 (7:00 p.m. PT) when the Seattle Thunderbirds make their second trip of the season to Langley, B.C.

Two spots behind the Giants in seventh spot were their regional rivals, the Victoria Royals. The Royals opened their week with a 5-2 win over the Swift Current Broncos, but lost twice to the Rockets over the weekend. Rookie goaltender Brock Gould earned his first career WHL victory in Wednesday’s win. The Royals are scheduled to close out a six-game home stand Saturday, October 27 (7:05 p.m. PT) when the Brandon Wheat Kings come to town.

The Saskatoon Blades, Red Deer Rebels, and Portland Winterhawks all earned honourable mentions this week as the competition among divisions intensified.

2019 NHL Draft prospect Kirby Dach continues to lead the Blades, who sit second in the East Division. Dach’s 22 points (7G-15A) have him tied for fourth in WHL scoring. The Blades are in action on Wednesday, October 24 (7:00 p.m. MT) when they play host to the Everett Silvertips.

Also earning a mention were the Rebels, who have taken over the lead in the Central Division thanks to a 8-1-1-0 run in their last 10 games. The Rebels are in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, October 24 (7:00 p.m. MT) to take on the Tigers.

Last but not least, the Winterhawks picked up a pair of wins against the Giants last weekend to earn their honourable mention and take over the lead in the U.S. Division. Joachim Blichfeld (San Jose Sharks) still leads the Winterhawks with 24 points (8G-16A) in 11 games. The Winterhawks are on the road to take on the Spokane Chiefs Friday, October 26 (7:05 p.m. PT).

Kia CHL Top 10 Rankings – Week 6: