KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team has returned to the national rankings, coming in at No. 19 by US College Hockey Online ahead of its showdown at Lawson Ice Arena against No. 4 Minnesota-Duluth on Friday and Saturday.

The USCHO.com Poll consists of 50 voters, including coaches and beat writers and sports professionals from across the country. The poll, published weekly by the Associated Press, is a production of USCHO.com, which provides in-depth coverage of college hockey.

The Broncos (15-10-5, 9-6-3-2 NCHC) make their first appearance in the national polls since Dec. 30. This is the 13th week that WMU has spent in the national polls this season. Western Michigan is on its best run of the season, going 8-1-1 in its last 10 games that includes a 6-0-0 record at home. The Broncos also received votes in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll.

WMU welcomes the two-time National Champions for a pair of games on Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. Friday night's tilt will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Saturday's will be available on NCHC.tv and both nights on the Bronco Radio Network.

Tickets are going fast for the UMD series and are available aww.wmubroncos.com/tickets.