CHL sees old and new faces clash at the top

ODESSA, Texas – It’s getting crowded at the top of the Northern and Southern

Photo by Les Stockton

Photo by Les Stockton

Conference races.   The Colorado Eagles and Odessa Jackalopes still hold sway in their respective conferences but suddenly those objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.  
 
The Rapid City Rush, led by head coach Joe Ferras, is challenging the Eagles for dominance in the North.   The Rush is just two points back of Colorado, though the Eagles have a game in hand.   Meanwhile, Tulsa and Mississippi are just back of the Rush in a tight race this late in the season.
 
And if the Jacks in Odessa were thinking they had a firm grasp of their own conference lead they need only glance over their shoulders at the Allen Americans who are now in second place and coming on strong.   Centerman Justin Bowers has picked up 30 points on 9 goals and 21
Justin Bowers. Photo courtesy of the Central Hockey League

Justin Bowers. Photo courtesy of the Central Hockey League

assists for the Americans.   Bowers is a +15 on the season and shows no sign of letting down.
 
Also in the mix are the Laredo Bucks and Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees who can now see the top spot as reachable before the season concludes.  
 
At the other end of the CHL’s spectrum of team efforts is a list of once formidable clubs including the Arizona Sundogs who are battling the Wichita Thunder for the worst record in the league.   Surprisingly, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have been unable to gain much traction this year and find themselves mired with a .500 record in the North.
 
There is no reason to think a shake-up is not coming in the PHN Power Ranking Poll in the coming weeks.  
 
Contact jeff.reed@prohockeynews.com
Contact les.stockton@prohockeynews.com
 
Cick to enlarge table

Cick to enlarge table

Leave a Comment