Monsters climb 4 spots to #8 in national rankings

October 29, 5:13 PMFresno Hockey ExaminerEddie Graveline

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The Monsters salute the crowd after Saturday's win over Phoenix (photo: Bob Martinez)

After moving up to 12th place in the myhockeyrankings.com American Tier III Junior A rankings last week, the Fresno Monsters faced their toughest test of the young season. The defending WSHL champion Phoenix Polar Bears came into town for a 3-game series. After losing to the Polar Bears in a shootout on Friday night, the Monsters re-grouped and won the remaining two games outright. After it was all said and done, they had claimed five of six available points during the weekend and increased their lead in the WSHL Western Division standings. 

A solid weekend against a tough opponent doesn't go unnoticed. When the new rankings came out this week, the Monsters had vaulted into the top 10 for the first time where they are currently ranked 8th in the country with a record of 13-0-1. 

One other WSHL team is making a good impression with the voters this season. The El Paso Rhinos, who play in the WSHL Midwest Division, moved up to 5th place with a record of 13-2-0. The Monsters actually have more points in fewer games than the Rhinos, but they're also a first-year team, so the fact that they're already in the top 10 is very impressive. Plus, if things continue the way they are now, chances are very good that the Monsters will meet El Paso to determine the WSHL championship after the conclusion of the regular season. 

The Monsters have the opportunity to continue their winning ways and solidify their place near the top of the rankings when they host the Valencia Flyers this weekend. They play at 7:30 Friday and Saturday nights at Selland Arena and at 10 AM on Sunday at Gateway Ice Center. 

View the complete Tier III Junior A rankings