DENVER – The University of Denver hockey team moved up one spot in the national rankings on Monday as the Pioneers are now No. 7 in both the latest USCHO.com and USA Hockey media polls.
Denver has been ranked in the top 10 in 21-of-22 weeks this season. The squad also ranks No. 8 in the NPI computer rankings that determine the NCAA Tournament field.
The Pios are unbeaten in their last nine games (8-0-1) and are coming off a home sweep against Arizona State to close the regular season. The Pios won 5-2 on Friday before winning 4-1 on Saturday to secure the No. 2 seed for the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Tournament.
Michigan returns to the No. 1 ranking in both polls after Michigan State lost and tied at home against unranked Ohio State last weekend. MSU ranks No. 2 on the USCHO.com list while North Dakota comes in the second spot in the USA Hockey poll.
The NCHC is tied for the second-most teams ranked among all leagues with four, with each of the squads in the top 10—the only conference with that notoriety. Joining DU (7/7) in the polls are North Dakota at No. 3/2, Western Michigan at 4/4 and Minnesota Duluth at No. 10/10. Additionally, St. Cloud State, Miami and Colorado College all received votes in the USCHO.com ranking.
Hockey East has the most ranked teams with five, while the Big Ten, CCHA (USCHO only) and ECAC (USA Hockey only) each have four squads.
UP NEXT: The Pioneers begin the postseason this weekend as they host the Miami RedHawks at Magness Arena for a best-of-three series in the NCHC Quarterfinals. The series begins on Friday at 7 p.m. MT and Game 2 is on Saturday is at 6 p.m. MT. If necessary, Game 3 will be Sunday at 6 p.m. MT, and every game of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff Tournament will be broadcast on NCHC.tv.
About the USCHO.com: The Division I men's ice hockey poll is compiled weekly and consists of 50 voters, including coaches and media professionals from across the country.
About the USA Hockey/The Rink Live Poll: The 31st annual USA Hockey Men's College Hockey Poll is conducted each week in conjunction with the American Hockey Coaches Association. The poll includes input from coaches and journalists representing each of the six NCAA Division I ice hockey conferences, as well as composite votes from officers of the AHCA and USA Hockey.
TICKETS: Tickets DU hockey quarterfinal series on March 6-8 are on sale now.
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