Michigan State Now Ranked #1 in the Nation

Michigan State (15-0-0, 12-0-0) is ranked #1 among Division I teams in the most recent NCRHA poll. The Spartans lead 4 MCRHL DI teams that made the top 25, including #10 Western Michigan, #17 Ohio State, and #21 Michigan. Lindenwood University dropped to #3 in the polls, being passed by South Florida and MSU. Both the Spartans and the University of Michigan will be participating in the 2004 NARCh Winternationals College Division two weeks from now in Las Vegas. There the Spartans will attempt to defend their ranking against many national powers and remain as the only champion of the tournament. No MCRHL Division II teams made the top 25, with Ball State being the top MCRHL DII team omitted. The Cardinals likely suffer a bit in the computer rankings by playing nearly all Division I opponents. In the B Division, 4 of the 9 MCRHL B teams are ranked, just like Division I. Eastern Michigan B (7-3-0, 4-0-0) takes the top spot in this poll, along with MCRHL opponents #7 Michigan B, #10 Western Michigan B, and #24 Illinois B. It is important to note that the NCRHA rankings will NOT be the determining factor in at-large bids for the national championships, and the rankings are based on a weighted average of Directors? rankings along with a computer ranking based on record and strength of schedule. For more information, or details on any of the above mentioned teams, stay tuned to www.NCRHA.org and www.MCRHL.com.