So, we've reached the half way point of the season already, and there have definitely been some surprises. Let's here your thoughts on the season so far, and some predictions for the second half.
1st Chilliwack Rapids 9-0-0 27Pts.
A perfect record thus far, and done so in convincing fashion with a +27 goalsF/A rating. Not surprising to many really, as signs of their rise to the top were obvious early last season. They added depth in the off season, and are rolling along nicely. I'd be surprised to see them finish the season off with a perfect record though, as recently, they have shown signs of faltering, giving up 3 goals to GEU. Definite favorites to win the league championship, but also very beatable.
2nd LUFC United 6-2-1 20 Pts.
The reigning league champs have also shown signs of mortality this season, but have managed a respectable 20 points after 9 games played. The work rate of this team has been a strength, with solid play both up front, and in the back. A top 3 finish seems like a good bet, but they're in tough to catch the league leaders, and defend their title. I think it's all up to BSLU, who is obviously carrying the team on his shoulders.
3rd North Delta Lions 5-1-3 16Pts.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise this season has been the resurgence of the ND Lions. Having to play a home-away series vs the second place Div. 1 team last year to avoid relegation seems a far cry from the campaign they have put together this season. This team could go either way in the second half IMO. It appears they have much talent, but little depth. If they manage to stay healthy and unified, look for them to stay amongst the leaders. If not, look for them to sink fast in the standings.
4th Peace Arch United 4-3-1 15Pts.
Once again, PAU has managed to field a competitive team. One which has held high expectations for itself this season. Three draws in the first half of the season has limited this team's place in the standings. With depth in all position, and some good young players being slowly added to the fold, it is doubtful that PAU will find itself in the decimated state they were in late last season. If the goals against is lowered, look for PAU to rise.
5th Golden Ears United 5-0-4 15Pts.
GEU has managed to put together some fair results. This seems a healthy sign, when one considers the fact that they added a handful of players from the Div. 1 this year. I predict this group will hold onto it's mid-table standing, and perhaps get some surprise results as they continue to gel as a team.
6th Delta Metro United 4-2-3 14Pts.
Major rebuilding year. I could not believe how young and green this side looked when we faced them a few weeks ago. They have much young talent, but will struggle to get results against the experienced teams in the league.
7th Poco City Dominion 2-1-5 7Pts.
Haven't seen this team yet, but my hunch is that they are in much the same boat as Delta Metro. Many of the mainstay veterans have moved on, and left voids for young and inexperienced players to fill. The future looks bright, but the present will provide a huge learning curve.
8th GN Sporting Club 1-2-5 5Pts.
I can't figure this team out. Everytime we play them, they seem like bonified contenders. Yet, only one win to their record this season proves otherwise. I can't see this team being relegated, and yet they are only 1 point up on the new addition to Premier.....and the cold weather looms.
9th Dewdney FC Razorbacks 1-1-7 4Pts.
I'm not sure if Dewdney was missing some players when we played them, but I can say with confidence, they were the poorest competition we've faced in this league in a long time. Even worse than the 8-nil trouncings of Langley a few years back. This team is my bet to be relegated.
10th Whalley Storm 0-0-8 0Pts.
If the Lions are the most pleasant surprise, Whalley certainly has to be the most un-pleasant. This team seems to have suffered what can only be described as a complete break-down on many levels. Initially, it appeared their poor start was due mainly to the injury bug. At 0-0-8, it has to be more significant than that. This team won loads of respect since being promoted 2 years ago, and always presented themselves as a formidable adversary. Now, they have been reduced to a team winless, and in serious relegation trouble. Lamonte will have to work some magic to get this side back on track.
So, what are your thoughts gents?
~Skip
1st Chilliwack Rapids 9-0-0 27Pts.
A perfect record thus far, and done so in convincing fashion with a +27 goalsF/A rating. Not surprising to many really, as signs of their rise to the top were obvious early last season. They added depth in the off season, and are rolling along nicely. I'd be surprised to see them finish the season off with a perfect record though, as recently, they have shown signs of faltering, giving up 3 goals to GEU. Definite favorites to win the league championship, but also very beatable.
2nd LUFC United 6-2-1 20 Pts.
The reigning league champs have also shown signs of mortality this season, but have managed a respectable 20 points after 9 games played. The work rate of this team has been a strength, with solid play both up front, and in the back. A top 3 finish seems like a good bet, but they're in tough to catch the league leaders, and defend their title. I think it's all up to BSLU, who is obviously carrying the team on his shoulders.
3rd North Delta Lions 5-1-3 16Pts.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise this season has been the resurgence of the ND Lions. Having to play a home-away series vs the second place Div. 1 team last year to avoid relegation seems a far cry from the campaign they have put together this season. This team could go either way in the second half IMO. It appears they have much talent, but little depth. If they manage to stay healthy and unified, look for them to stay amongst the leaders. If not, look for them to sink fast in the standings.
4th Peace Arch United 4-3-1 15Pts.
Once again, PAU has managed to field a competitive team. One which has held high expectations for itself this season. Three draws in the first half of the season has limited this team's place in the standings. With depth in all position, and some good young players being slowly added to the fold, it is doubtful that PAU will find itself in the decimated state they were in late last season. If the goals against is lowered, look for PAU to rise.
5th Golden Ears United 5-0-4 15Pts.
GEU has managed to put together some fair results. This seems a healthy sign, when one considers the fact that they added a handful of players from the Div. 1 this year. I predict this group will hold onto it's mid-table standing, and perhaps get some surprise results as they continue to gel as a team.
6th Delta Metro United 4-2-3 14Pts.
Major rebuilding year. I could not believe how young and green this side looked when we faced them a few weeks ago. They have much young talent, but will struggle to get results against the experienced teams in the league.
7th Poco City Dominion 2-1-5 7Pts.
Haven't seen this team yet, but my hunch is that they are in much the same boat as Delta Metro. Many of the mainstay veterans have moved on, and left voids for young and inexperienced players to fill. The future looks bright, but the present will provide a huge learning curve.
8th GN Sporting Club 1-2-5 5Pts.
I can't figure this team out. Everytime we play them, they seem like bonified contenders. Yet, only one win to their record this season proves otherwise. I can't see this team being relegated, and yet they are only 1 point up on the new addition to Premier.....and the cold weather looms.
9th Dewdney FC Razorbacks 1-1-7 4Pts.
I'm not sure if Dewdney was missing some players when we played them, but I can say with confidence, they were the poorest competition we've faced in this league in a long time. Even worse than the 8-nil trouncings of Langley a few years back. This team is my bet to be relegated.
10th Whalley Storm 0-0-8 0Pts.
If the Lions are the most pleasant surprise, Whalley certainly has to be the most un-pleasant. This team seems to have suffered what can only be described as a complete break-down on many levels. Initially, it appeared their poor start was due mainly to the injury bug. At 0-0-8, it has to be more significant than that. This team won loads of respect since being promoted 2 years ago, and always presented themselves as a formidable adversary. Now, they have been reduced to a team winless, and in serious relegation trouble. Lamonte will have to work some magic to get this side back on track.
So, what are your thoughts gents?
~Skip