By / R. Wayn Geen
The Pembroke Lumber Kings have been the dominant team in the Central Junior Hockey League for a few seasons, but this year, they find themselves with some company at the top of the standings.
Lumber Kings head coach and general manager Sheldon Keefe said top teams are improving.
“We have a lot of organizations that are doing a good job,” he said. “Everybody is getting better.”
As of Nov. 23, the CJHL’s Yzerman Division has three teams within two points of each other: Brockville, Nepean, and Pembroke has 34.
Smith Falls had been in the race, but have recently fallen back in the race for first.
The Robinson Division has turned into a one team race, with the Cumberland Grads pulling away from the Royal Bank Cup host Cornwall Colts.
“Cumberland is very quietly going about their business,” said Keefe.
The Grads went on a seven-game winning streak and nine games without a loss. Cumberland’s last loss was Oct. 23.
Cornwall, the host of this year’s Royal Bank Cup, has also put together a strong group.
Keefe said it’s just a matter of time before Cornwall starts to make a push in the standings.
As for who will win the regular season race, Keefe says it comes down to who has a strong stretch drive.
“It is all going to be who plays the best at the end – who can sustain it,” he said.
CJHL NOTES
The Kemptville 73’s will be hosting the entire league on the weekend of Dec. 21 to 23 at the North Grenville Community Center in the CJHL Winter Festival. Each of the league’s 11 teams will play twice over the course of the weekend, a showcase for scouts, fans and media…The Ottawa Jr. Senators have added a new head coach/GM. Mike Ruest replaces the departed Phil Roy, while Keith Schafer, from the Ottawa West Golden Knights (Jr. B), takes over in Kemptville from Rod Simmons…The Cumberland Grads added defenceman Keith Wynn from the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s, while the Kanata Stallions picked up blueliner Scott Pommerville from the BCHL’s Powell River Kings, and Dan Frawley returned to the Cornwall Colts after a brief stint with the QMJHL’s Gatineau Olympiques…Two league members have just returned from the World Jr. A challenge in British Columbia with silver medals. Adam Brace (forward – Pembroke) and Mark Grady (coach – Cumberland) were both members of Canada East…The Lumber Kings are the only CJHL team in the Top 15 in CJAHL rankings (10th). |