ODESSA, Texas – The Colorado Eagles spent the last week in the Central Hockey League reasserting themselves with their rivals. In doing so, they caught the Odessa Jackalopes and now share the top spot in our weekly Pro Hockey News Power Ranking Poll. The Eagles have made up ground while playing four fewer games than the Jacks. But Odessa still holds down the points lead.
Photo Credit: Les Stockton
A second outcome of the Eagles rise, was the fall of the Tulsa Oilers from sole possession of the top spot in the Northern Conference. Our poll rankings reflect the Eagles two fewer games in granting the conference lead to them.
The Eagles have been terrific on the road, sporting a 5-1-0 record while the Oilers have dropped to 4-4-0 away from the friendly ice in Tulsa.
Elsewhere in the circuit, the Arizona Sundogs continue their dismal start to the campaign with a 5-11-2 record and 12 points. Only the Wichita Thunder has picked fewer points, a total of eight with a 3-13-2 record.
Photo Credit: Robert Keith
Thus far, seven teams in the league reside at or below .500 and need to gain some traction before their fans look elsewhere for entertainment.
A rerennial Southern Conference power, the Laredo Bucks, have been playing well. Their record is 9-4-3 for 21 points, but they still trail Odessa by 11 points and four games in hand.
The Jackalopes have been methodical in their approach to each game and only rarely have they been outplayed (the Texas Brahmas accomplished that last week).
A third of the season is gone for most clubs and the seeding for the post season is almost predicted at this point; once again before the holidays are in full swing.
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Contact the photographer at les.stockton@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com
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