Vermont HS Power Rankings (Jan. 16, 2023)

We have seen all but five teams this year (Stowe, Harwood, Northfield, Woodstock, Milton). We will be seeing those teams very soon. This last week saw thrilling games with plenty of action. Most of these contests are very tight among the top teams. This week sees some movement among the teams with some creeping up the rankings quickly. There are certainly some teams to look out for.

1. Essex Hornets (7-0-0)

The Hornets remain undefeated after a narrow 3-2 victory against a resilient CVU team. They have still only allowed 8 goals in seven games played. Scoring goals against this team has proven to be difficult, and their balanced offensive attack is sure to rack up at least three per game it seems.

2. Mt. Mansfield Cougars (7-1-0)

The Cougars will be facing D-2 opponents the rest of the way out with a huge tilt against U-32 on the 28th of this month. They have won each game since their loss to Essex and have done so in style. Another intriguing game for them will be against Hartford on February 20th.

3. BFA-St. Albans Bobwhites (3-0-1), (6-1-1 overall)

The Bobwhites defense is deep and if you can’t score goals against them, good luck winning. However, they only have 10 goals in four Vermont games played. They play a rugged game and get the puck deep frequently, rarely taking one on one chances on the rush. The defense is capable of skating the puck out almost effortlessly at times. Big tests against CVU and Colchester this week.

4. U-32 Raiders (5-1-0)

Close games against Rutland and South Burlington were interesting, but they have more than handled opponents otherwise. A large senior class bolsters this team. We will be making the rounds to see them again against marquee matchups.

5. Rice Memorial Green Knights (3-2-2)

Rice has been in every game they’ve played and looks good on the eye test. They have had some trouble gathering the goals that put them over, but they are a relentless team that can possess the puck and put quality pressure on teams even in their losses and ties.

6. Colchester Lakers (6-1-3)

Colchester is a strong team that can scrap out wins, and evidently ties. They are so close with Rice that these two teams could probably be a toss up as they have skated to two ties in their matchups. A big game against BFA is up next.

7. South Burlington Wolves (6-4-0)

It’s hard to keep this team out of the discussion when they are 4th in the RPI rankings and have some serious firepower (as has been previously stated). They get another chance against Essex on home ice and will surely want to get that one back as they had the Hornets pinned for a lot of that game.

8. Hartford Hurricanes (6-2-0)

This team has been scoring a ton of goals and is ranked 6th in our RPI rankings. Outscoring opponents 52-12 this year, they will surely be tested against U-32, Stowe and Rutland.

Honorable Mentions

Burlington, CVU, Stowe, Rutland