The standings have never been this close in the 30-year history of the Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League.

Just six points separate the first place Springfield Xtreme from the fifth place Lorette Comets as the New Year approaches.

A team could easily go from enjoying a relaxing first round bye, to starting the playoffs on the road.

The Xtreme (10-5) own a one point lead on the second place Steinbach Huskies.

Dalton Reimer had four goals and an assist and Haden Hiebert scored three times as the Huskies (9-4-0-1) defeated Mitchell 10-1 Wednesday night at the T.G. Smith Centre.

The Red River Mudbugs (9-4) hold down third place with 18 points.

The St. Adolphe Hawks (8-5-1) have 17 points and the defending champion Comets (6-8-2) are in the mix with 14 points.

HTJHL president Ray Laing is excited about the competitiveness of the league this season.

"You go out to a game and the outcome is up in the air," said Laing. "At our last meeting, the managers were thrilled with the league this year because there is no clear cut runaway.  Even the bottom two have beat some pretty good teams on occassion."

The Grunthal Red Wings (5-8-1) are in sixth place with 11 points and the Mitchell Mohawks are in seventh spot with seven points.