KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Western Michigan hockey team will enter NCAA Tournament play as one of the top teams in the nation, as the polls were released this afternoon. 

The Broncos checked in at No 5 in both the USCHO and USA Hockey rankings. Michigan, North Dakota, Michigan State, Denver and WMU made of the top five in both sets of rankings. 

NCHC wise, WMU was joined by UND, DU and Minnesota Duluth. Miami was receiving votes. St. Cloud State, Omaha, Arizona State and Colorado College did not receive any recognition in this week's rankings. 

Western Michigan will square off with Minnesota State on Friday, March 23 in Loveland, Colo. This is the second consecutive season the two teams have met in the opening round of the national tournament. WMU won last year's game in double overtime. Puck drop between the two teams is set for 2:30 PM ET.