Milton, MA - The Curry Men's Hockey team continues to prove that they are a national championship contender, as they have risen to #2 and #3 in the DIIIHockeyNews and USCHO polls. Both are program highs. Additionally, the Colonels stayed at #1 in the NPI rankings, which takes into consideration things like strength of schedule, and is used to determine the seeding in the NCAA tournament.

The Colonels lone game of the week came on Saturday in the CNE semifinals, and they took care of Suffolk 4-2. The win marked the Colonels 15th straight win, the longest active winning streak in the country, and the longest in program history dating back to 1995.

In the DIIIHockeyNews rankings, the Colonels jumped up to #2 from their #3 ranking last week. They received six first place votes, and sit only seven points behind #1 ranked Hobart.

In the USCHO ranking the Colonels moved from #4 to #3, and received two first place votes. They are behind Hobart and Utica in these rankings.

In the only rankings that matter, the NPI rankings, the Colonels sit at #1. The biggest reason for this ranking is that the Colonels have not been afraid to face tough competition, having the 24th toughest schedule in the country. They have gone 6-3 in games against teams in the top 15 of the NPI. Hobart on the other hand, while sporting a 24-1-1 record, has yet to play against a top 15 team, with their highest ranked opponent being #16 SUNY Oswego, and a strength of schedule ranking of 61. Utica on the other hand comes in right behind the Colonels with the 25th toughest schedule, but they have a modest 3-3-1 record against teams in the top 15 of the NPI. All three teams will be in action this weekend, looking to lock up a conference tournament championship

Hobart will face NEC (48th in NPI) on Saturday in the NEHC semifinals, and potentially either Norwich (24th in NPI) or Skidmore (35th in NPI) in the NEHC Championship game on Sunday.

Utica will host SUNY Geneseo (6th in NPI) in the UCHC Championship game on Saturday. The two teams have faced off four times already this season, with Geneseo winning the season series 2-1-1.

The Colonels will look to win the CNE Championship on Saturday when they host Endicott (12th in NPI) at 3pm at the Canton Ice House.