Well that’s different.
After last week’s top 15 featured 16 teams, Salem State’s shocking shutout of previously No. 1 St. Norbert has upended the world of Division III hockey. And those who are tasked to rank its teams were divided in their response, voting conference brethren Oswego and Plattsburgh as co-top teams.
The Cardinals, however, earned one more first place vote: eight to the Lakers’ seven. While the Green Knights fell to third, the undefeated Adrian Bulldogs — fresh off another two win weekend — moved up a spot to fourth while also earning an additional top tally.
After beginning their season 3-0-1, the Norwich Cadets have rocketed up the polls, jumping five spots to fifth this week after drubbing then-seventh ranked UW-Stout, 9-1, and tying new-No. 1 Plattsburgh.
Idle Elmira remained at sixth while an impressive St. Scholastica squad jumped up a poll position to No. 7. Likewise, Middlebury moved up one position to eighth after losing to Plattsburgh and besting the Blue Devils at the prestigious Primelink Tournament.
Thanks to a pair of wins over Marian and St. Thomas, UW-Superior ascended two spots to ninth. Fellow state school River Falls rounds out the top 10.
While UW-Stout fell from seventh in the country to just ‘receiving votes’ after their disastrous tournament showing, Manhattanville fared little better. After dropping a 3-2 decision to Curry and a 5-1 match to Williams (both at home), the Valiants plunged from fourth to No. 11.
Conversely, the Curry Colonels entered the poll for the first time this year at No. 12. Rounding out the top 15 were Amherst, Bowdoin, and Hamline, who were all ranked last week.
The University of Wisconsin-Stout and Trinity dropped out of the national rankings.
