DU Pioneers destroy Arizona State and climb to the top of the Men’s Hockey, USA Today poll
The University of Denver’s Men’s Hockey Team, The Pioneers, is back on top of the rankings after sweeping Arizona State at home last weekend.
Denver (14-4-4) found themselves ranked #3 in both the USCHO.com and USA Today polls released on January 2, 2017. However, after decisive wins over the Sun Devils – winning 5-1 and 6-1 in both their matchups last weekend – and the Colorado College Tigers delivering a stunning upset against previously top-ranked Minnesota-Duluth, the Pioneers were able to leapfrog the pack and jump two spots to take the lead in the national polling.
With 14 games left to play in their 36-game season, the Pioneers are set for two away series in coming weeks. Games will be against conference opponents Western Michigan and St. Cloud State before closing out January with a home conference series against Nebraska-Omaha.
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Pioneers defenseman Adam Plant (28) and forward Jarid Lukosevicius (14). During the first period at the semifinals of the 2016 Frozen Four college ice hockey tournament at Amalie Arena. Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
Ultimately, polling is only one tool that is used to decide which teams make it into the NCAA tournament.
If Denver wants to roll into the NCAA tournament with momentum, it is critical that they continue to dominate conference play. All in all, the easiest way for the University of Denver to control its destiny is to take home the conference championship.
From here on out, the remainder of the Pioneers’ schedule is made up of conference opponents. In the NCHC, all eight of the conference’s teams earn a spot in the conference tournament. Whichever team emerges with the conference trophy is automatically given a spot in the NCAA tournament.
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Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
Although, with Denver atop the national polls, the Pioneers still trail the Minnesota-Duluth Bull Dogs in conference standings. If they are going to keep their top ranking, they’re going to need to keep this winning streak alive.
The USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Men’s College Hockey Poll was released on January 9, 2017. Denver, Minnesota-Duluth, Harvard, Penn State, Boston University, UMass Lowell, North Dakota, and Boston College round out the top eight.
