The Chilliwack Chiefs rank very high on the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s first Top 20 of the 2017-18 season, but a familiar foe ranks higher.
The CJHL released its preseason list Thursday afternoon, with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees checking in at No. 1.
Alberta’s Brooks Bandits are No. 2 followd by the Carleton Place Canadians (Ontario), Battlefords North Stars (Saskatchewan) and defending Royal Bank Cup champion Cobourg Cougars (Ontario).
The Chiefs find their way onto the list at No. 6.
The Wenatchee Wild make the rankings at No. 15 with the Vernon Vipers and Victoria Grizzlies each getting an honourable mention.
According to the CJHL website, “the preseason rankings, compiled by an independent scouting service, were based upon a variety of factors, which includes the league in which the teams belong to, last season’s results in regular season and playoffs as well as initial recruiting efforts for the upcoming season.”