Week 6: 12U Minor Division remains wide open

PITTSTON, NJ — It’s still wide open in the 12U Minor Division, with less than two games separating first and last place. With the division so tightly contested, every game counts in this neck-in-neck race to the playoffs. So, let’s look at some of the games on the slate for this weekend:

WB/Scranton Jr. Knights vs New Jersey Devils Youth (Elite) 

The Knights are only one of two teams with a winning record in the division at 3-2, and have racked up an impressive 38 goals in just five games. The Devils haven’t had as much luck this season, currently sitting at 1-4. However, that puts them just two games out of first place. They’ll have to improve their offense to beat the Knights, as they’ve only mustered 15 goals through their five games. However, they have been a better team on the road then they have been at home, so perhaps that will be the X-factor they need to steal this crucial game and get their season back on track. 

Valley Forge Minutemen vs. New Jersey Jr. Titans (Elite)

This should be one of the most tightly contested bouts this weekend. The Minutemen currently occupy first place in the division, while the Titans occupy third. Both teams sit at an even .500. Both teams have scored just about as many goals as they’ve allowed. Perfectly balanced, as all things should be. Due to their similar records, whoever wins this game will likely be in first place in the division, and whoever loses will likely fall below third place. Stakes don’t get much higher than that.

Elite Hockey (Elite) vs. North Jersey Avalanche (Premier) 

In a fascinating cross-divisional game, the 1-6 North Jersey Avalanche will be taking on the 2-6 Elite Hockey. Elite Hockey are, shockingly, representing the elite division and will doubtless be looking to live up to their name against the Avalanche. They were on an unfortunate streak of crushing losses until recently, but they were able to steal a game in overtime against the third place Titans in their last outing. Perhaps that victory will be the spark they need to turn things around. On the other hand, the Avalanche haven’t had much luck against fellow Premier teams, and their only other match against Elite teams ended in a 9-5 loss against the Jr. Knights. They’ll be looking to reverse that trend this weekend.