CAMBRIDGE, ON – The final PJHL Power Rankings of the 2025–26 regular season are here, and with the playoffs set to begin, all eyes now turn toward the Schmalz Cup. After months of battles, streaks, and divisional races, the regular season has officially come to a close. Momentum, confidence, and positioning now take center stage as teams shift their focus to postseason success.
At No. 1 for the final time this season, the Essex 73s remain the league’s benchmark. Essex has held the top spot throughout the year, showcasing consistency, depth, and poise from opening night to the regular season finale. Their sustained dominance has made them the team to beat, and they enter the playoffs with significant momentum and expectations firmly in place.
Climbing into the No. 2 position are the Fergus Whalers (+4). Fergus surged late, highlighted by statement victories over rival Hanover, and in doing so secured the top seed in the North Pollock Division. Their late-season push sends a clear message heading into the postseason — the Whalers are peaking at the right time.
The Dundas Blues remain steady at No. 3, while the Hanover Barons hold at No. 4. Hanover may have dropped key games to Fergus, but they remain a formidable contender with the structure and firepower to make a deep playoff run. Dundas, meanwhile, continues to quietly position itself as a dangerous opponent capable of turning momentum quickly in a playoff series.
Rounding out the top five are the Woodstock Navy Vets (+3), who finish strong after recording three wins over Hespeler and Paris to capture the South Doherty Division title. Woodstock’s late-season consistency and ability to close out meaningful games could prove invaluable in postseason play.
The biggest shift this week belongs to the Uxbridge Bruins (-4), who fall to No. 6 following a 4–3 loss to Georgina. Despite the drop, Uxbridge remains firmly atop the East Orr Division standings and enters the playoffs as a division champion. The Bruins will look to quickly regroup as they shift their focus to playoff hockey.
At No. 7, the Stayner Siskins hold their position after securing first place in the North Carruthers Division. Stayner capped off the regular season with a red-hot finish, locking up the division crown and reinforcing their status as a legitimate contender.
The Alliston Hornets (NEW) re-enter the rankings at No. 8 after decisive wins over Stayner and Penetang. Alliston’s ability to secure big wins against quality opponents late in the season earned them a return to the Top 10 at an ideal time.
Also welcomed back into the rankings are the Georgina Ice (NEW) at No. 9. Georgina closed the regular season with three impressive victories over Uxbridge, Port Perry, and Little Britain. Their upset over Uxbridge in particular played a major role in reshaping this week’s rankings.
Rounding out the Top 10 are the Lakefield Chiefs (-3), who slide slightly after a 9–4 loss to Frankford in their regular season finale. Despite the setback, Lakefield remains a capable and experienced playoff team.
With the regular season officially in the books, the stage is now set. Division titles have been claimed, rivalries renewed, and momentum established. The journey to the Schmalz Cup begins now.
PJHL Power Rankings – February 18th
1. Essex 73s (West Stobbs)
2. Fergus Whalers (North Pollock) (+4)
3. Dundas Blues (South Bloomfield)
4. Hanover Barons (North Pollock)
5. Woodstock Navy Vets (South Doherty) (+3)
6. Uxbridge Bruins (East Orr) (-4)
7. Stayner Siskins (North Carruthers)
8. Alliston Hornets (North Carruthers) (New)
9. Georgina Ice (East Orr) (New)
10. Lakefield Chiefs (-3)
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About the PJHL
The Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) is the largest junior hockey league in Ontario, comprising 61 teams across the province. With a commitment to player development, community engagement, and excellence on and off the ice, the PJHL continues to serve as a vital pathway in Canadian junior hockey.

Alliston Hornets
Huntsville Otters
Innisfil Spartans
Midland Flyers
Muskoka Bears
Orillia Terriers
Penetang Kings
Stayner Siskins
Fergus Whalers
Goderich Flyers
Hanover Barons
Kincardine Bulldogs
Mitchell Hawks
Mount Forest Patriots
Walkerton Capitals
Wingham Ironmen
Caledon Golden Hawks
Clarington Eagles
Georgina Ice
Little Britain Merchants
Port Perry Lumberjacks
Schomberg Cougars
Uxbridge Bruins
Amherstview Jets
Trent Hills Thunder
Frankford Huskies
Lakefield Chiefs
Napanee Raiders
North Kawartha Knights
Picton Pirates
Port Hope Panthers
Amherstburg Admirals
Blenheim Blades
Dresden Jr. Kings
Essex 73's
Lakeshore Canadiens
Mooretown Flags
Walpole Island Wild
Wheatley Omstead Sharks
Aylmer Spitfires
Exeter Hawks
Lucan Irish
Mt.Brydges Bulldogs
North Middlesex Stars
Petrolia Flyers
Port Stanley Sailors
Thamesford Trojans
Dundas Blues
Dunnville Jr. Mudcats
Glanbrook Rangers
Grimsby Peach Kings
Hagersville Hawks
Niagara RiverHawks
Port Dover Sailors
Streetsville Derbys
Dorchester Dolphins
Hespeler Shamrocks
New Hamburg Firebirds
Norwich Merchants
Paris Titans
Tavistock Braves
Wellesley Applejacks
Woodstock Navy Vets


