The top team in the BCHL moved up four spots in the latest Canadian Junior Hockey League rankings, but the Chilliwack Chiefs are still behind 13 teams.
The Chiefs check in at No. 14, the highest rank for a BCHL team and an improvement on the No. 18 spot they held last week.
The Penticton Vees check in at No. 16 after being an honourable mention seven days ago. There’s no sign of the Victoria Grizzlies, Powell River Kings, Wenatchee Wild, Merritt Centennials or Prince George Spruce Kings — other BCHL teams that would be worthy of mention.
The AJHL (Alberta) Brooks Bandits continue their season-long run at No. 1 followed by the Superior International Junior Hockey League (Ontario) Thunder Bay North Stars and Ontario Junior Hockey League Oakville Blades.
Eight junior A leagues are represented above the BCHL’s best, a sign that A) the league isn’t getting the respect it deserves nationally or B) the league isn’t deserving of that recognition.
But considering how the BCHL has dominated the talent pool for events like the World Junior A Challenge and CJHL Top Prospects Game, the best answer is probably A.
