Week 14 Preview: Huge matchup in the 18U division

EAST HAVEN, Conn. —This weekend will feature some massive games in the 18U division, with huge implications for the standings.

Elite Hockey Club vs. Philadelphia Hockey Club (Premier)

This titanic matchup will feature the Philadelphia Hockey Club facing off against the Elite Hockey Clubs. These two teams are likely very familiar with one another, as they currently occupy the second and third spots in the divisional rankings, respectively. Each team knows that their path to the divisional crown involves beating the other, and neither club can afford to lose any ground in trying to keep up with the first place Philadelphia Junior Flyers. 

 North Jersey Avalanche vs. Valley Forge Minutemen (Premier)

The Valley Forge Minutemen are in desperate need of a win, and they’ll have a stiff challenge ahead of them in the Avalanche. The Minutmen are currently 2-6-1 through their first nine games, but they’ve managed to muster a respectable 19 goals through that span, so it’s certainly possible that they could get things going here. On the other side of the rink, the Avalanche are 4-4, good for fifth place in the division. They’re right on the cusp of ascending into the top three, but they’ll have to take care of business here and keep their momentum going. 

New Jersey Jr. Titans vs. WB/Scranton Knights (Premier)

This hugely important matchup between the Titans and the Knights will determine who will jump who in the rankings. The Knights are currently 3-6, but their 27 goals scored indicates that they have explosive potential on offensive. Meanwhile the Titans are perhaps the biggest mystery in the division. They’ve played a division-low six games, amassing a perfectly balanced record of 2-2-2. Time will tell if they’ll stay in the dregs of the division or if they’re destined for greater things.