GMHL Team Power Rankings: January 2025
January 17th, 2025 at 3:29AM January 17th, 2025 9:31AM
GMHL Power Rankings (Post-Player Acquisition Deadline)
As the trade deadline passes, rosters are locked for the remainder of the season, and teams now look to make their final push for playoff positioning. With several teams bolstering their lineups, the competition is heating up, particularly at the top of the standings.
1. Bradford Rattlers (27-2-2, .903 PCT) – North Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 1st Dec: 1st
The Rattlers continue to dominate, extending their win streak to seven games. They lead the league with a +96 goal differential and boast the second-best goals-for-per-game rate (6.23) while maintaining the second-best goals-against-per-game rate (3.13). With a loaded roster (only made better by the addition of former captain Arvid Malm, scoring forward Jacob Belisile and another capable goaltender in Nikita Radchenko) and incredible consistency, Bradford remains the team to beat.
2. Wasaga River Dragons (26-5-1, .828 PCT) – North Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 5th Dec: 3rd
Wasaga trails closely behind Bradford in both standings and stats, with the league's highest goals-for-per-game rate (6.25). They’ve shored up defensively during their five-game win streak and remain a threat to take the top spot in the North Division. Their recent acquisitions at the deadline were the top moves of the deadline on paper as they added Elite Swedish forward Olle Bjalkefors as well as a pair of dominant veteran defenceman in Dalton Mayes and Hayden Lacquette.
3. Northumberland Stars (22-7-2, .742 PCT) – South Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 8th Dec: 2nd
The Stars are the top team in the South Division and have continued to impress, with a balanced attack averaging 5.65 goals per game and allowing just 3.55 goals per game. Their defensive reliability and potent offense make them a legitimate contender, even against the North's powerhouses. At the deadline they added a trio of forwards headlined by former OHA prep star Ryan Boon as well as defenseman Jacob Russouw.
4. Ville-Marie Pirates (20-12-1, .621 PCT) – North Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 9th Dec: 5th
Ville-Marie has proven to be a tough opponent, sitting third in the North Division. Their defense has been a weak point at times (3.69 goals against per game), but their ability to generate offense has kept them competitive. With a playoff spot secured, they’re now focused on fine-tuning their play for the postseason. At the deadline they added do it all Forward/D-Man William Noel from the Railers.
5. North York Renegades (21-12-0, .636 PCT) – South Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 3rd Dec: 4th
North York has shown resilience all season and remains in contention in the South. While their offense is steady at 4.09 goals per game, they’ll need to tighten their defensive play to contend with top teams. Their experience and depth will be key factors down the stretch. The Renegades prized add at the deadline was former MHL forward, 6’3” Kristian Sevostyanov.
6. West Nipissing Lynx (19-13-2, .588 PCT) – North Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 6th Dec: 7th
The Lynx have gained momentum, winning two in a row and bolstering their lineup at the deadline. They’re averaging 4.29 goals per game but remain inconsistent defensively, conceding 4.21 goals per game. If they can continue their recent form, they could be a sleeper team heading into the playoffs. The Lynx added a pair of veteran forwards Caleb Boylan and Alexis Hardy to help make a push towards the top of the North division.
7. Meaford Knights (16-10-4, .600 PCT) – North Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 4th Dec: 6th
The Knights have slipped slightly in the rankings due to a three-game losing streak, but their offense (4.80 goals per game) keeps them dangerous. Defensive lapses (3.80 goals against per game) have been their Achilles’ heel, and they’ll need to shore up their back end to reclaim their earlier form. Near the deadline the Knights acquired veteran forward Jaden Bull from the River Dragons.
8. Tottenham Railers (18-15-2, .543 PCT) – South Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 2nd Dec: 8th
Tottenham has hovered around the middle of the pack but has shown flashes of potential with a balanced goals-for and goals-against per game rate (4.80). They’ll need a strong finish to climb higher, but their ability to grind out wins against tough opponents keeps them in contention. Tottenham seemed to push their chips all in at the deadline acquiring 4 impact players in forwards Tighe Frazee, Roberto Matias and Nolan Strickland as well as defenseman and recent GMHL All-Star Joshua Liu from the Bradford Bulls
9. St. George Ravens (16-15-4, .514 PCT) – South Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: 7th Dec: 9th
The Ravens are starting to find their groove, showing an improved effort defensively while maintaining offensive consistency. At 4.14 goals per game, they remain competitive in high-scoring matchups. If they can build on their recent improvements, they could move up the rankings.
10. Toronto Flyers (15-14-5, .515 PCT) – South Division
Previous Ranks: Nov: Unranked Dec: 10th
The Flyers round out the top 10, showcasing their offensive firepower with 4.50 goals per game. However, their inconsistency (losing four of their last six) and defensive struggles (allowing 4.50 goals per game) have limited their potential. Still, they have enough talent to make some noise as the season winds down.
Honorable Mentions
Bradford Bulls (13-18-2, .424 PCT) – South Division
The Bulls have had an up-and-down season but remain a dangerous offensive team with 4.39 goals per game. Defensive improvements will be key if they hope to move into the playoff picture.
Niagara Predators (14-18-3, .443 PCT) – South Division
The Predators continue to fight for relevance in a competitive South Division. They average 3.63 goals per game and have shown improvement in defensive play, making them a team to watch as the season winds down.