Arena Lacrosse League East Weekly Power Rankings - Week 11

by Gary Groob

Power Rankings for Week 11 of the Arena Lacrosse League East:


1. Whitby Steelhawks (9-1):

In another convincing victory, the powerful Steelhawks defeated the Ohsweken Bears 19-10.  While the first half wasn't typical, the domination of the second half showed just how powerful a team they are.  Twelve different scorers in this game make this team very difficult to defend.  With a strong defense and goaltending this team will be very hard to stop on the road to the championship. 

2. Oshawa Outlaws (7-3):

Another strong win against a formidable opponent.  Oshawa has had ups and downs this year, but are rolling with all gears lately.  This is the one team that can have answers for Whitby, and may be the only team that can give them a run for the money in the playoffs.  Veteran leadership in John St. John, who just got his 500th career ALL point, will go a long way to keeping this team focused.

3. Paris RiverWolves (6-3):

Still a force and deserving of their spot in the rankings, the RiverWolves have had a tough couple of weeks.  Their next opponent is the Ohsweken Bears, who have dropped seven straight games.  This is a good week to get themselves back on track.

4. Brampton Express (4-5):

The Express has played much better the last few weeks, and will give any team in this league a run for their money.  A big test will be this week facing the Timbermen in Peterborough.  This is a game they need to win, as the following week they have a tough home and home series against the Paris RiverWolves.

5. Peterborough Timbermen (5-5):

This team has shown signs of great growth, but also signs of inconsistency.  Their wins have come mostly against teams lower in the standings, while struggling with the upper echelon teams.  As they mature together, they will be a force, but time is running out on this season.

6. Toronto Monarchs (4-6):

A big win over a very tough Paris RiverWolves team shows this team has all the tools to be in the top tier of the league.  Consistency will go a long way in the Monarchs rise in the rankings.  A huge test will come this week against the Whitby Steelhawks, and if they can play them as hard as they played Paris, they will put the league on notice.

7. Six Nations Snipers (2-8):

Even though the Snipers dropped one of two games this weekend, it must be deemed a successful weekend.  Beating Ohsweken shows they can string victories together, also that they can play and hold leads.  The loss against a rejuvenated Express team still showed how competitive they are.  If this was their only game of the weekend, the result might have been different. 

8. Ohsweken Bears (2-8):

This team is having a tough time.  Losers of seven straight has them in a free fall in the standings.  This week is another tough test facing the Paris RiverWolves, and a victory will do wonders for moral, and their place in the rankings.