1) Kingston - off to the best start one could ask for. A perfect record this far into the season ensures that they wish to match/exceed last years unreal season. They have four players over 20 points alreasy this season and two goalies with a GAA of under 2. They look like a powerhouse this year.
2) Georgetown - this team can be described in one word. BALANCE. They started out of the gate with two losses but there recent 11 game winning streak has them in prime position. Fourteen players over 10 points and a hot goalie will allow them to push for first.
3) Oakville - there three losses have been to quality teams in Kingston, Couchiching and Trenton. They look good to start the season. The Blades are another team with balanced scoring led by Ryan Murphy with 12 goals in 15 games.
4) Vaughan - is in tough this year, as they already have 8 losses. I placed them in fourth because they were able to beat a couple top teams already this season. They have mad potential and with returning players, Campbell and Peca, they should pick up the pace and contend
5) Trenton - a surprise team to say the least. They currently sit in 4th place in the division due to the scoring of Jeremy McCarty, who has an incredible 37 points in 17 games. Spencer Finney has been something else between the pipes for Trenton as he is 10-0 with 2 Shut Outs so far this season.
6) Couchiching - started off quite shaky and havent been able to beat the top teams in the league. There were great expectations this year after a brilliant season last year. So farm very disappointing. Matt Smyth is ripping it up this year as he leads the league in scoring. 45 points, including 19 goals, in 17 games.
7) Villanova - Nova is another surprise team that is doing well this season. By winning the games that they are expected to win, they should ensure themselves a spot in the playoffs. It will definitely be a fight to the end, but if they stay consistent, they should be there.
8) Aurora - a bubble team sitting at a .500 win percentage, which is disappointing for the successful Tigers. They played a rough schedule recently with games against Georgetown, Kingston and Oakville, all losses. They need to be able to put a nice run of games together to prove to everyone, including themselves, that they can compete in the league.
9) Buffalo - the Jr. Sabres are at .500 and are in the same situation as Aurora. Improving their goaltending is a must. They also need to take advantage of their home games. Since they are across the border, it should give the sabres an advantage as teams travelling might be stiff from the trip. But who knows?
10) Brampton - I have seen them play and I see potential. They can compete with anyone, they just need to string some wins together. Guptill, Dawes, Davis and Nieuwendyk need to step up, as their goalie combo of Lockhurst and Shelley are solid. They will be in a battle for the 8th and final spot come January.
Honorable Mention: HUNTSVILLE - they are coming on after a terrible start
I think, of all the most disappointing teams in the OJAHL, the Brampton Capitals are one. They have such a rich history of previous success to fall so far.
Another is the Milton Icehawks. Another disappointment this year.
And Vaughan Vipers? I have gone on record as saying they are the epitome of what a soli8d goaltender can do for you. Kevin Kapalka, an '89 born is the real deal.
Trenton Golden Hawks, with Tim Clayden wheeling and dealing, do not surprise me. They will make the playoffs top eight.
Clayden has to be careful he doesn't deal himself out of cards too early leaving no room to fill in the spaces later if he needs to. The only thing Trenton really needs is solid commitment to team defence.
Buffalo and Villanova were earlier season hits but have tailed off lately. They both might be hard pressed to get a playoff spot.
One thing about a 54 game schedule. everybody has a chance to get it right. That is the reason all these games are played.
And the Vees of Kingston? I watch them enough though I have not had the priviledge of watching them on the road. Trips are simply all too far. I can tell you they are a potential of repeating. But they have a lot of work to do to attain that lofty status of back to backs. Last year's team was a workhorse and character team.
This team has not shown me they are of that quality yet .
