CHL Top 10 shifts as Canada’s World Juniors tune up begins
Momentum is building across junior hockey as CHL contenders surge up the rankings and Canada’s National Junior Team sharpens its edge ahead of the World Juniors. From league parity to international preparation, the standard continues to rise at every level.
CALGARY – Momentum is building across junior hockey, from the CHL ranks to the national stage, as elite teams and top prospects continue to separate themselves during a critical phase of the season.
The Canadian Hockey League’s latest Top-10 Rankings highlight just how competitive the landscape has become. Everett has climbed to the top spot after becoming the first CHL club to reach 25 wins, driven by sustained consistency and a stretch of dominant play. Brantford remains firmly in contention near the top, while Prince Albert continues its rise, reinforced by recent roster additions and a strong run of results.
Several clubs are trending upward at the right time. Chicoutimi has extended its point streak and moved into the upper tier, Flint has re-entered the rankings behind productive offence and reliable goaltending, and Medicine Hat has pushed into the Top 10 on a prolonged point streak that reflects its championship pedigree. Across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL, the rankings underscore a league defined by depth, parity, and momentum rather than geography.
That same competitive energy now carries over to the international stage as Canada’s National Junior Team enters its final tune-up phase ahead of the IIHF World Junior Championship. Pre-tournament games offer a critical opportunity for players to establish chemistry, refine special teams, and solidify roles before the tournament begins.
Canada’s opening matchup against Sweden sets the tone both on and off the ice. The team will wear commemorative Rise as One helmet stickers as part of a nationwide initiative connecting national team athletes with more than 115,000 women and girls playing hockey across Canada, reinforcing a shared identity and commitment to the game’s growth.
With additional pre-tournament games against Sweden and Denmark, the focus remains on preparation and performance. These matchups provide valuable game speed and structure against international opponents who demand precision and discipline.
From CHL clubs climbing the rankings to Canada’s junior team sharpening its edge, the pathway is clear. The foundation is being set now, and the standard continues to rise across junior hockey.