WJHC power rankings

Canadian hockey fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Mark Visentin, the front-runner for Canada's starting job, is putting his early-season struggles behind with a solid performance in goal for Niagara last week. Meanwhile, Rimouski's Jerome Gauthier-Leduc regains his spot in the hot column for the fourth time in five weeks.

HOT

Jonathan Huberdeau, Saint John Sea Dogs

The Sea Dogs' newest captain is padding his assist total early this season. Huberdeau scored twice in three games last week, but set up his teammates six times to give him eight points on the week. He was also a plus-6, bringing that total up to plus-12 this season. Huberdeau is basically a lock for the world junior team this Christmas and will most likely wear a letter in Alberta.

Mark Stone, Brandon Wheat Kings

Even a long swing through the U.S. Division couldn't slow down the Wheat Kings' sniper. Stone scored three goals and four assists with a plus-5 in four games last week. The Ottawa Senators appear to have a keeper in this sixth-round draft pick, who's currently leading the WHL in scoring. After last season's breakout performance with 106 points, Stone should get a long look at the December camp.

Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver Giants

Gallagher is becoming a fixture in the hot portion of the weekly power rankings since being sent back to junior by Montreal. The 19-year-old forward scored once in each game last week, while also setting up four more goals for a seven-point week with a plus-2 rating. His early third period goal over Kelowna on Sunday provided his team with the winner and his first decisive goal of the season.

Freddie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs

The older Hamilton brother earned his spot in the rankings with two goals and three assists in two games last week. He was also a plus-3, only the fourth time this season he finished a game in the plus category. He leads the IceDogs in scoring this season with 21 points, one ahead of his younger brother, Dougie, another Team Canada hopeful.

Jamie Oleksiak, Saginaw Spirit

The hulking defenceman scored his first game-winner since joining the OHL this season. Oleksiak's first period goal in Peterborough stood up as the winner in Saginaw's 9-1 rout over the Petes on Saturday. Oleksiak was also an impressive plus-4 through three games. Given the amount of open spots on Canada's back end, he could be a vital piece to Canada's puzzle.

Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Rimouski Oceanic

Gauthier-Leduc is doing everything possible to earn an invitation to Canada's selection camp in December. The 19-year-old scored twice and picked up three assists for five points and a plus-6 rating through three games last week. His 26 points through 12 games leads all Canadian Hockey League defencemen in scoring. He's certainly deserving of a closer look at camp.

Mark Visentin, Niagara IceDogs

The IceDogs' starting goaltender is beginning to play like one would expect of the front-runner for the world junior job. Visentin bounced back from inconsistent play a week earlier with a near unbeatable performance. Visentin stopped all but one of 64 shots in two wins over Ottawa and Plymouth, good for a .984 save percentage. His play is critical in helping the IceDogs overcome a sluggish start.

COLD

Phillip Danault, Victoriaville Tigres

The Tigres' captain is off to a slow start this season. After a strong performance a week ago, he wasn't able to carry it over last week. Danault was held pointless in two games and a minus-1. His 10 points in his first 13 games is four less than a year ago through the same stretch, where he was also a plus-4 as opposed to a minus-2 this season. He will be in the mix for a roster spot, but needs to play with more consistency.

Matt Puempel, Peterborough Petes

The Ottawa Senators' first-round pick was ice cold in league play last week. Puempel's Petes weren't able to generate much offence with just three goals in three losses. Puempel did not pick up a point in any of his three games and finished with a minus-5 rating. The product of Essex, Ont., has a realistic shot at earning a spot, but will need to play with more urgency.

Ryan Murphy, Kitchener Rangers

The low-scoring Rangers will find goals even more difficult to come by if their dynamic puck-rusher is unable to produce. Murphy was held without a point in three games last week while going minus-3. Murphy is far from a long shot to make the Canadian world junior roster, but it will give the Canadian brass more comfort if he's able to produce, as he had in his first week back with four assists in two games.

LAST WEEK HOT: Ty Rattie, Portland Winterhawks; Brendan Gallagher, Vancouver Giants; Phillip Danault, Victoriaville Tigres; Ryan Strome, Niagara IceDogs; Dougie Hamilton, Niagara IceDogs; Scott Harrington, London Knights; Tyler Bunz, Medicine Hat Tigers

LAST WEEK COLD: Mark Visentin, Niagara IceDogs; Brandon Gormley, Moncton Wildcats

Read the full rankings from last week here.