November 19, 2007

BEMIDJI, Minn. - After a five week absence, the Bemidji State University men’s ice hockey program earned a position amongst the top teams in the nation in U.S. College Hockey Online/CSTV's week eight poll. The Beavers gathered three points in the poll, ranking it 13th amongst the group of “others receiving votes” in that publication’s ranking of the nation’s top 20 NCAA Division I men’s hockey programs.

The Beavers are coming off a weekend in which they posted a 1-1 record at Wayne State (Mich.0 and pulled into sole possession of the top spot in the College Hockey America standings with a 3-1 victory over the Warriors on Friday.

Bemidji State is one of three College Hockey America programs to receive recognition in this week's poll. Defending CHA regular-season champion Niagara picked up 165 points to rank 17th while Robert Morris pulled down 25 points to hold down the 23rd spot.

BSU’s inclusion in the week eight poll continues its long history of recognition by USCHO.com. The team bean the season in what would be 26th place in the 2007 USCHO/CSTV Preseason Poll. The following week, BSU moved up two spots to 24th. In 2006-07, BSU reached a season-high No. 16 in the Jan. 8, 2007 release of the USCHO.com ballot and appeared in the poll on

The USCHO.com/CSTV Networks Poll consists of 50 voters, including 28 coaches from the Division I conferences and 22 beat writers and sports professionals from across the country. The poll, published weekly by the Associated Press, is a joint production of USCHO.com, which provides in-depth coverage of college sports, including hockey, lacrosse, soccer and others, and CSTV Networks, Inc., the only digital media company dedicated solely to college sports. CSTV operates a 24-hour college sports cable network, also available via DISH and DirecTV satellite as well as CSTV.com, ranked in the Top 10 leading sports Web sites.

Bemidji State, 5-6-1 overall and -2-1 in CHA play, takes a break from the league loop this week to battle University of Manitoba in an exhibition contest Nov. 20th. The rare Tuesday contest is set for a 7:05 p.m. opening faceoff at the John Glas Fieldhouse.

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