Week 8 arrives with the standings tightening and storylines building across the Women’s Jr A division. With the Arctic Storm leading the league, the Atlantic Surge, Celtic Fury, Southern Blaze, and Eastern Ice Breakers all look to position themselves heading into the final stretch of 2024.

Below is a full standings snapshot entering Week 8:

Team	GP	W	L	OTL	OTW	PTS	GF	GA	P%
Arctic Storm	9	6	2	0	1	20	25	17	.595
Atlantic Surge	10	4	4	2	0	14	25	27	.481
Celtic Fury	10	3	5	1	1	12	19	26	.422
Southern Blaze	8	3	4	0	1	11	22	20	.524
Eastern Ice Breakers	3	1	2	0	0	3	7	8	.467

The week began with a big result already on the books:

Game #22 – Storm 3, Ice Breakers 1 (Dec 1, CBS Arena)
The Ice Breakers skated stride for stride with the division leaders, but the Storm’s experience and depth prevailed, handing the Ice Breakers their second regulation loss. Eastern played structured and disciplined hockey, and despite the loss, they looked more cohesive than in early-season action.

Now attention turns to the two marquee matchups ahead.

GAME #22 – Southern Blaze @ Eastern Ice Breakers

Wednesday, Dec 3 – 8:00 PM | Mary Brown’s Centre

Storyline & Context

This is only the Ice Breakers’ fourth game of the season, meaning they’re still building identity and consistency. Meanwhile, the Blaze sit fourth in the standings but are only one win away from leapfrogging Celtic Fury into third.

The Blaze have been an unpredictable team—dangerous when their top line gets moving, but inconsistent defensively. Their +2 goal differential (22 GF, 20 GA) suggests they’re competitive in almost every matchup.

The Ice Breakers, despite a small sample size, have shown better play with each game, especially in puck management and defensive zone structure.

Key Factors

Ice Breakers Goaltending: If Eastern’s netminder stays composed early, this becomes a very winnable game.
Blaze Transition Game: Their counterattack is their biggest weapon. If Eastern limits neutral-zone turnovers, they neutralize the Blaze’s biggest strength.
Special Teams: Eastern still searching for consistent success on the power play.

Prediction

Ice Breakers 3 – Blaze 2
Expect a close, fast-paced game. The Ice Breakers have been trending upward and should carry a sense of urgency after losing to the Storm. Home-ice advantage at the Mary Brown’s Centre may push them over the top.

GAME #23 – Arctic Storm @ Southern Blaze

Friday, Dec 5 – 7:15 PM | Bay Arena

Note: Schedule shows “Storm @ Blaze,” which is Game #20 even though both teams also played earlier this week.

Storyline & Context

This is a tough week for the Blaze—after facing the Ice Breakers on Wednesday, they must turn around and take on the league-leading Storm.

The Storm are riding high at 20 points with only two regulation losses. They boast the strongest defensive metrics in the division and are beginning to separate themselves from the pack.

But the Blaze have upset potential: strong forechecking, physical along the boards, and capable of grinding out low-scoring games.

Key Factors

Storm Depth Scoring: They don’t rely on one line—nearly every unit contributes.
Blaze Discipline: Penalties could bury them quickly.
Goaltending Battle: The Blaze goalie will likely face 30+ shots.

Prediction

Storm 4 – Blaze 2
The Storm are too deep and too structured. Blaze will keep it interesting, but expect the Storm to take control in the final 10 minutes.

WEEK 8 OUTLOOK

Big Winner of the Week:

Arctic Storm — poised to strengthen their already commanding lead.

Most Pressure:

Southern Blaze — two games in three days against teams that play very different styles.

Team to Watch:

Eastern Ice Breakers — despite limited games played, they’re improving rapidly and could climb the standings quickly with a win Wednesday.