Anchorage Daily News

Nothing like an idle week to shoot a team up the rankings.

Despite not playing, the UAA hockey team jumped four spots to No. 15 the latest college hockey poll released Monday by USCHO.com/CBS.

And UAA (7-5-2) isn't the only ranked Alaska team, either. The UAF Nanooks (8-4-2), riding a four-game unbeaten steaking that includes Saturday's shootout victory over Lake Superior State, checked in at No. 20 in the poll.

The Seawolves, who face Wisconsin this weekend, jumped over Nebraska-Omaha and fellow WCHA member St. Cloud State to land at No. 15. Wisconsin, typically one of the top teams in the country, is in the "others receiving votes" category of the poll.

That's somewhat odd because Wisconsin (7-7-2) has beaten St. Cloud State, Michigan State and No. 14 Michigan in succession, allowing just one goal in those three games.

UAA (4-4-2 in league play) is sixth in the WCHA with 10 points, just two points out of a tie for third place and three out of a tie for second. Wisconsin is tied with Minnesota State for third.

Intrastate rival Fairbanks is 8-4-2 overall and 6-3-1-1 in the CCHA for a share of third place and, like UAA, has nearly matched its win total from last year.

"Obviously, it means a lot," goaltender Chad Johnson said of being close to matching last season's win total, "but we're not really too worried about what happened last year. There's a new coach this year (Dallas Ferguson), a lot of new players this year, a new atmosphere around the rink ... we're just worried about this year."

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