The Canadian Junior Hockey League has released its Top 20 preseason rankings for the upcoming 2017-18 campaign.

The Penticton Vees of the BCHL are slotted in at number 1 spot with the AJHL's Brooks Bandits in second.

The Fort McMurray Oil Barons are in the number 9 spot while the Whitecourt Wolverines are 13th.

The preseason rankings were based on things like the league in which the teams belong, last season’s results in regular season and playoffs as well as initial recruiting efforts for the upcoming season.

The regular season gets underway for the Okotoks Oilers on Friday September 15 when they host Brooks.