Two Big Wins Lift VJW '97 Elites to the No. 2 Spot In the Nation
The VJW '97 Elites finished the 2010-11 season ranked 10th in the nation. It is no surprise that it took the young and talented squad less than two months to improve that position.
Following back-to-back victories over the Philadelphia Jr Flyers one week ago, the Warriors improved their national ranking to No. 2, according to www.myhockeyrankings.com. They now stand behind just one team - the St. Louis Blues. The Warriors were clearly ready for this latest
challenge against the Philadelphia Jr Flyers, who traveled to Haverhill
for the two-game tilt. In the first contest, the home team exploded
offensively by scoring seven goals en route to the 7-1 victory. They
followed that up the following morning with a solid 5-3 win
These two victories mark a season full of strong league and non-league
play. The Warriors currently hold a 5-1-0 record in New England Hockey
League (NEHL) play. The team's only league loss thus far came against
the Seacoast Spartans, their local foe ranked 18th in the nation.
One year ago, the Warriors asserted their domination over the Spartans
when they captured the 2011 NEHL Championship title during a season in
which they posted a league-high 25 wins. They season prior the VJW '97
Elites advanced to the semifinals at the 2010 USA Hockey Tier I National
Championship.
Here is a list of the 10 97 AAA teams in the nation
1) St Louis Blues 97 AAA
2) Valley Jr Warriors (Elite) 97 AAA
3) Little Caesars 97 AAA
4) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Jr Knights 97 AAA
5) Belle Tire 97 AAA
6) Chicago Mission 97 AAA
7) Compuware 97 AAA
8) LA Selects 97 AAA
9) Long Island Gulls 97 AAA
10) Colorado Thunderbirds 97 AAA
As a result of the VJW '97 Elites strong play, they have earned a spot in the NEHL's 97 American Division. Click here to follow all of the action.