January 13, 2026
GMHL Team Power Rankings: January 2026
Who’s Rising, Who’s Holding, and Who Must Chase
As the GMHL pauses for the All-Star break, the standings provide the clearest snapshot yet of the league’s hierarchy. While some teams have separated themselves, playoff positioning — especially in the North Division — remains far from settled.
A dramatic late-January showdown still looms, and with both contenders controlling their own destiny, the race for home-ice advantage is very much alive.
Top 10 Teams
1. Northumberland Stars (30-3-0, .909 PCT) – South Division
Last Month: 1st → Remain #1
Previous Ranks: 3, 1, 1
The Stars remain the gold standard. Riding an 11-game winning streak, Northumberland is averaging 7.06 goals per game while allowing just 1.85, numbers that are borderline historic. Their +172 goal differential leads the GMHL by a massive margin, and they head into the break as the league’s undisputed No. 1.
2. Bradford Rattlers (24-6-0, .800 PCT) – North Division
Last Month: 3rd → Up1
Previous Ranks: 4, 2, 3
The three-time defending Russell Cup champions are peaking again. Bradford enters the break on a five-game winning streak, highlighted by a stunning 4–3 overtime comeback against Wasaga after trailing 3–0 entering the third period. That win gives the Rattlers the edge in head-to-head wins this season, though the series can still end tied on points. Balanced, disciplined, and battle-tested, Bradford controls its own fate.
3. Wasaga River Dragons (22-4-3, .810 PCT) – North Division
Last Month: 2nd → Down 1
Previous Ranks: 2, 3, 2
Despite the overtime loss to Bradford, Wasaga remains firmly in the title conversation. The River Dragons have earned points in 25 of 29 games and sit just one point back in the North. A regulation win in the January 20th rematch would tie the season series on points and could ultimately decide North Division home-ice advantage if both clubs win out.
4. Durham Roadrunners (21-9-3, .682 PCT) – South Division
Last Month: 6th → Up 2
Previous Ranks: 9, 6, 6
Durham has clearly established itself as the South’s second-best team. Winners of five straight, the Roadrunners are averaging 5.24 goals per game and playing with confidence at both ends of the ice. While Northumberland remains out of reach, Durham has separated from the rest of the division.
5. West Nipissing Lynx (17-12-3, .578 PCT) – North Division
Last Month: 5th → Remain #5
Previous Ranks: 7, 5, 5
The Lynx continue to be the model of consistency. They quietly collect points, rarely beat themselves, and remain one of the toughest matchups in the North Division. Not flashy — just effective.
6. Ville-Marie Pirates (15-11-2, .571 PCT) – North Division
Last Month: 7th → Up 1
Previous Ranks: 1, 4, 7
Ville-Marie inches forward in the standings and remains firmly in the playoff picture. Their nearly even goal differential reflects a team that can swing either way depending on discipline and structure — but their ceiling remains high.
7. Tottenham Railers (18-15-0, .545 PCT) – North Division
Last Month: 4th → Down 3
Previous Ranks: 6, 7, 4
Tottenham’s identity hasn’t changed: explosive offense (171 goals) paired with defensive vulnerability (144 allowed). Dangerous on any given night, but still searching for the consistency needed to avoid falling lower.
8. Niagara Predators (16-15-1, .516 PCT) – South Division
Last Month: 9th → Up 1
Previous Ranks: 8, 9, 9
Niagara continues to hover above the break-even mark and remains squarely in the South Division playoff race. Improved defensive play has stabilized their season, and they’re trending slightly upward entering the break.
9. North York Renegades (15-18-0, .455 PCT) – South Division
Last Month: HM → Up 2
Previous Ranks: HM, HM, HM
North York earns the jump after a strong stretch of play. Prior to a loss against Durham, the Renegades were riding a six-game winning streak and have now won eight of their last eleven games. Their overall record still lags, but their recent form suggests they are far more dangerous than their position in the standings indicates.
10. St. George Ravens (16-18-1, .471 PCT) – South Division
Last Month: 8th → Down 2
Previous Ranks: 5, 8, 8
The Ravens slide to tenth following a difficult run into the All-Star break. Defensive lapses have hurt them at key moments, and while they remain competitive, they’ll need a strong post-break response to hold off the teams chasing from below.
Honourable Mentions
Bradford Bulls (9-24-0, .273 PCT)
Last Month: HM → Reamin HM
Previous Ranks: HM, 10, HM
Effort remains strong, but results continue to lag. Defensive depth is still the main obstacle.
Toronto Flyers (7-22-2, .258 PCT)
Last Month: Not Ranked → Earn Honourable Mention
Previous Ranks: 10, N/R, N/R
Inconsistency on both sides of the puck has limited Toronto’s ability to climb out of the bottom tier, but they do find themselves mentioned for the first time since October
Game of the Month – January
January 20 – Bradford Rattlers vs. Wasaga River Dragons (Wasaga Beach)
The defining game of the North Division is still to come.
Bradford’s recent 4–3 overtime comeback win gives them the edge in head-to-head wins, but the season series can still finish tied on points if Wasaga wins the final meeting outright. With North Division home-ice advantage potentially decided by a single game — and neither team having the No. 1 seed locked up — this matchup could shape the entire playoff bracket.
Win, and control your fate. Lose, and you have to chase and hope for help