KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team was able to continue its rise in the national polls after an exhibition win over Western Ontario this past weekend. 

The Broncos haven't played a regular season game since grabbing a series win over Denver back in early December. However, the Brown and Gold were able to jump to No. 11 in the latest edition of the USCHO poll, which was released yesterday afternoon. 

Western Michigan leaped over UMASS to grab the No. 11 spot. The Broncos are joined by North Dakota, Denver, St. Cloud State and Colorado College as NCHC teams featured in the top-20. 

WMU will head on the road to begin the new year, opening the second half of the season at Lindenwood on Jan. 5 and 6. The Broncos swept the Lions back in early December, grabbing a 3-1 victory to open the series before downing the Lions 5-1 the following night.  

This season WMU will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Bronco Varsity Hockey, which will be commemorated in a variety of ways, including a special 50th Anniversary logo at center ice, special in-game tributes throughout the season, and a special Alumni Weekend for Bronco Hockey during the Colorado College series, January 26 and 27. In addition, every season ticket holder will receive a special 50th Anniversary puck to commemorate this special season.