The Week #19 rankings update comes in the dead of winter. I'm hoping this brings you something to look forward to, assuming you have power, internet access and/or cell coverage. It's the dead of winter and for most of us closer to traditional hockey country there is a blanket of snow on the ground. I have traditionally considered the last week of January the dead of winter because it far enough past Christmas that its a distant memory and still a long way from spring. Seems like it was also about the time when the coldest, nastiest whether would hit my home town as a kid.

In the hockey world, this time of year marks the end of regular season for many of you and the beginning of the playoffs season. It's also the time of year when many kids and families are getting tired. I challenge you not to give in to the temptation of putting the season on cruise control. This is the time of year when kids who can stay focused can really make big gains on those who are simply going through the motions. Those who work the hardest will be rewarded in the end!

Enjoy this week's rankings!