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This week, we are joined by guest writer Margo I!

Disclaimer: I’m naturally biased, and these are subjective. Deal with it. - Margo I

1) Ontario Hitmen

Considered to be the most complete team in this league. They have a robust roster featuring billy x 9 who is second in OHA for points and a standup blue line defense, they simply find ways to win games and break your heart by keeping it close. While not a gimmick offense like Curse Reborn or Blueberry Faygo, they have solid players in all parts that will keep them in every game and play a very fundamentally sound brand of hockey.

2) Team Cancel

A team that has been mostly dormant this season is finally realizing some of it’s fuller potential and waking up. Some of its key players are now free from LG playoffs and can commit more time to winning, and winning in large numbers. Isee this team as the “team to beat” of the playoffs. With a forward lineup that will strike sweat into the palms of the teams that matchup against them, they should make mincemeat of both teams they face in rounds 1&2. Caution: do not wear a hoodie when playing against this team.

3) Curse Reborn

Now comes that time of the year where some teams begin their slide. I believe the Curse is one of those teams. Coming off an embarrassing loss from Forfeit Kings, look for Curse Reborn to try and rebound this week despite maybe losing a spot or two in the power rankings still will be a strong contender for the cup but seem to lack a dynamic offense that can win them games against top teams. Look for a 2nd round exit.

4) Blueberry Faygo

I can’t say enough good things about this team. Led by young-guns Bonez TBD and Butters04272003, happy belated birthday buddy, they have shot up from a cellar dweller to contender status over the period of this season. They have knocked off several high profile teams and Bonez TBD is playing like the best goalie in OHA right now. The only thing that worries me is their consistency and defense. They have shown they can win big games but in some efforts they lose big. Gameplanning and their ability to be resilient with make or break this team in the playoffs.

5) Evil Empire

Some concerning issues are starting to arise from Evil Empire. They ff’d a game that could have been won against Red Deer. They also suffered a crushing defeat against Team Cancel 9-3, which might have dampered some spirits in that locker room. Look for a continued slide down the standings. They still have the pieces to win games and make a deep playoff run but the chemistry that was there earlier in the season has seem to all but vanish.

6) Puck Ups

A well rounded team, hardly any players in the leaderboards but they have shown they can beat EVERY team in this league at least once. They made a last second acquisition of Uzi Snipe who is having a phenomenal WJC season, it should be interesting to see where he fits in their gameplan. This is another team that can make an impact in playoffs given the right matchups and gameplan.

7) Puck Daddies

This is a team that has tremendous upside offensively, but some glaring weak points in others. The Puck Daddies have shown they can score, but will their Defense and Goalie be able to hold up against teams like Cancel, Hitmen, Curse, and others? With a favorable matchup in playoffs this team could make it past the first but probably fall in the second round.

8) Forfeit Kings

This team has had lots of ups and downs this season, although it looks like things are stabilizing as they upset and shocked Curse Reborn with a 4-3 win this week. This is a team that could surprise us all in the playoffs should they make it. Look for another marquee win against a top 3 team this week too see whether or not they are bonafide playoff contenders.

9) Toxic Hockey

There seems to be two very distinct brands of hockey practiced on that team. Most of us know how to deal with the conventional style of hockey where maybe there are 1-2 big guys on a line, but Toxic Hockey is a team that has shown they can all buy-in to whatever strategy can and has won them games, to include an all-enforcer lineup. If they make the playoffs it should be interesting to see which convention they use to usurp a top seeded team and if they can sustain success against a team that knows how to counter it.

10) Red Deer Bandits

They have been somewhat on a slide this season. Not exactly sure what changes were made between this season and last season but there are some grumblings from the locker room of players who are ready for this season to end. It hasn’t been a great season but Red Deer will likely survive playoff bid or not.

11) Bleacher Bumz

First off, it’s Bleacher Bumz not Bleacher Bums, it’s spelled in their logo, we really should do this team a favor and update it. Besides that they really don’t have anything going for them. One of their fellow punching bags is now out of the league, they more than likely will not make playoffs, and I’m pretty sure tapoutfighter has run out of unassuming LG players as sticks-for-hire to play for him, perhaps he should contact the Frenchyx44 Foreign Legion? While this team might not make playoffs this year, they do have a knack for sticking around even after an unsuccessful season and attempting a rebuild. Might need a new Owner though as I have more faith in Jerry Jones to do a better rebuild than tapoutfighter, and I’m an Eagles fan.

12) Berlin Mafia

The final spot on this list goes to a team that was just days away from completing their season. Was I naive to believe that there was a chance that EVERY single team that started this year would also finish? Probably. But we were so dang close. I even helped them find a Goalie in their most desperate hour, who helped them win games I will add, and thank you akrakenreleased, even if they won’t say it. For those of you still scheduled to play Berlin Mafia it will be credited as an automatic FFW. I would like us all to pause for a moment of silence and think about the memories and good times against Berlin Mafia whose flame was extinguished too early. May you rest in peace in the off-season, and may you not be offed by your own pride next season. My tribute--> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qxAKqNDqZo

**Editors Notes - Please forward all comments towards Margo and not ThistleAndWeeds, thanks. - T&W

this is incredible. What a fucking basket case