KIJHL Power Rankings – Week 1 (Sept.25)

 

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League just played its first weekend of regular season action for the 2022-23 season. The KIJHL Power Rankings highlights the top-five teams based on winning percentage and here is how they rank.

The Revelstoke Grizzlies start at the top thanks to a pair of wins (9-0 against 100 Mile House) and (5-4 shootout victory over Golden). Grizzlies rookie Wyatt Sorken enjoyed a memorable debut with a six-goal performance, while Carter Bettenson and Ethan Mattern netted winning goals, Mattern’s coming in a shootout. Jozef Kuchaslo earned a 29-save shutout.
The Fernie Ghostriders opened the season with a pair of wins (6-2 against Golden) and (5-4 against the Columbia Valley Rockies). Dayton Nelson, who leads the Ghostriders with six points, netted the winner against Columbia Valley, while Sean Jacobs scored the winner goal against Golden.
The Sicamous Eagles opened their season with a pair of wins (4-1 against Chase) and (4-2 against 100 Mile House). Rookie Zack Brandson, who leads the team in points with three, has two game-winning goals to begin his junior hockey career. Gage Reimer and rookie Damon Cunningham shared the crease.
The Nelson Leafs also opened their season with a pair of wins (2-1 against Princeton) and (4-2 over Grand Forks). Bennett Anklewich and rookie Jason Scott netted the winning goals. Rookie netminder Jasper Tait was in goal for both, posting a .958 save percentage to go with a 1.50 goals against average.
The Kamloops Storm round out the top-five with their 4-1 win over Chase. Ty Horner scored the winning goal and goalie Cody Creasy had a .964 save percentage with a 27-save performance.