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Teams Are Holding Steady in the Rankings

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 12/18/18, 2:00PM EST

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Minor Midget and Midget AAA Top 5 Rankings Powered by Under Armour


Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography

The Ontario Minor Hockey Association has released the seventh edition of the Minor Midget and Midget AAA Top 5 Rankings powered by Under Armour for the 2018-2019 regular season. These rankings will be released on a bi-weekly schedule.

As teams head into the holiday break it gives players the chance to recharge for the second half of the season. This is where it becomes important to build momentum as Championships near.

Minor Midget AAA Rankings

Four more wins keep the Wildcats in the top spot while the North Stars keep pace with a quartet of victories of their own. The Predators, Hurricanes and Express keep moving along and are keeping the pressure on the teams above them.

Players to Watch

Connor Punnett (North Central Predators) - A versatile defender that is relied upon for big minutes in every situation. A big part of Punnett's game is his compete level and how he makes other teams forwards work for every inch on the ice. He has good size, strength and a strong work ethic. Punnett is great in his defensive zone, using his body and a smart stick to separate pucks. His outlet passes are very consistent, where he reads his options quickly and makes a hard pass to transition his forwards into offence. He also has smart offensive mind and patience with the puck. Punnett moves well inside the opposing blue line where he finds passing or shooting lanes to exploit.

Ty Anselmini (Guelph Jr. Gryphons) - An offensive minded forward who exploits open space and mistakes. He shows a versatile game when he has the puck on his stick. Anselmini has good edges and quickness allowing him to make quick moves into open space that buys time for his options to open up. He has solid hands and vision that make difficult passes look easy. Anselmini also can beat you with his release which is quick and accurate. He reads his time and space well keeping defenders off-balance as they have to respect his shot and passing abilities.

Midget AAA Rankings

An up and down two weeks drop the Express from the top spot and the Jr. Bulldogs use their winning streak to reclaim the number one ranking. The Rangers continue to build momentum and are rewarded by climbing up a slot. The Toros have lost four in a row and will need to turn it around quickly to stay alive in the top five.

Players to Watch

Josh Di Francesco (Southern Tier Admirals) - Di Francesco has developed a reputation around the league as not only a player who is tough to play against but someone who, if given a scoring opportunity, will make the opposition pay. Di Francesco has a great mix of natural instinct and a great shot that has helped him pace the offence for the Admirals. He also has the ability to get the puck off his stick at any time, and does not give goalies the opportunity to set up and get ready for the shot.  

Oliver Tarr (Whitby Wildcats) - The playmaking forward has shown an elite talent in setting up his teammates so far this season. His vision has been something noticed by his teammates and opposition and when skating with the puck, has everyone looking to see who he can find with the puck. Tarr seems to be able to find players who are covered, and place the puck perfectly on their stick. Tarr is not only a playmaker though, he has no problem finding the net when the opportunity arises and will be leaned upon heavily in the Wildcats offence for the second half of the season.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The OMHA Minor Midget and Midget AAA Rankings powered by Under Armour are submitted by a group of scouts from the Ontario Hockey League and are released on a bi-weekly basis.

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