By Roy J. Akers-www.skyviewsports.net
With conference play in full swing for most teams, college rankings and teams separating themselves is happening and that includes Big Ten (B1G) and the CCHA and a mention to Western Michigan. Six of seven B1G teams are either in the top 20 or received top 20 votes and Minnesota, MSU and Michigan are ranked 3-4-5 in the nation according to the USCHO. Ohio State was swept by MSU and falls from the poll this week. Additionally, the CCHA has seen multiple teams fall off the top 20 list over the last month. Minnesota State is the highest ranked team at 16 although Augustana, Bowling Green, and Michigan Tech are just outside the top 20. Western Michigan represents the NCHC and is ranked this week in 13th place.– A look at scorers and top goaltenders will appear in SVS later this week.
USCHO Rankings from week 5
In the Big Ten, Minnesota 9-1 (no.3) swept Wisconsin by a pair of three two scores.
No. 4 MSU swept Ohio State at home 4-2 and 4-1. Ohio State fell to No. 14 after the sweep.
No. 7 Michigan swept Notre Dame at home 2-1 and 4-2. The Irish are now ranked 20th.
Penn State is 18th this week and was idle last weekend.
The CCHA has Minnesota State ranked 16th. MS is 7-4-1 after a win and a tie against St. Thomas.
Finally, Western Michigan beat a very good Omaha team in a sweep this past weekend. WMU is now ranked 13th in the country.
No. 14 Western Michigan (5-1-0)
11/08/2024 – No. 14 Western Michigan 2 at RV Omaha 1
11/09/2024 – No. 14 Western Michigan 4 at RV Omaha 2
Others receiving votes: Massachusetts 44, Notre Dame 43, Michigan Tech 39, Union 27, Clarkson 20, Northeastern 4, Omaha 4, Robert Morris 4, Augustana 3, Bowling Green 3, New Hampshire 3, Niagara 3, Arizona State 2
The Big Ten is top loaded with Minnesota, MSU, and UM ranked 3-4-5 in the country.
The CCHA Standings
The CCHA takes on all comers and Michigan Tech is the class of the league along with Minnesota State. Augustana has played a tough slate so far and Lake Superior State is lurking. Right now, Ferris State and Northern Michigan are in need of some wins.
Roy J. Akers is a multi-media reporter and covers several sports for www.skyviewsports.net