KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Thanks to an impressive split with Minnesota Duluth this past weekend, the Western Michigan hockey team was able to retain its spot in the national rankings this week. 

The polls didn't see much movement, as the Broncos stayed at No. 7 in the USCHO poll and moved to No. 8 in the USA Hockey rankings. The top five in the USCHO poll were Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State, North Dakota and Minnesota Duluth. In the USA Hockey poll, UM, UW, MSU, UMD and Denver were the top five teams.  

NCHC wise, WMU was joined by UMD, DU, UND and Colorado College. Miami, Arizona State and St. Cloud State were receiving votes. Omaha was the lone conference team not recognized in the national polls. 

The Brown and Gold will be off for a few weeks, returning for the Kwik Trip Holiday Faceoff on Dec. 28 in Milwaukee. The Broncos will open the tournament against Boston College.