Pittsburgh, Pa. - Two wins and 13 goals later, the Robert Morris University men's hockey team has risen three spots in a prominent national poll.

RMU, now 10-1-3 after burying Atlantic Hockey opponent Sacred Heart in an avalanche of goals over the weekend, was ranked 17th in the latest United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) poll. This matches the Colonials' highest ranking in program history in any national survey; they most recently reached No. 17 on Nov. 10.

Published by the Associated Press, the USCHO poll consists of 50 voters, including coaches, beat writers and other sports professionals from across the country. Teams receive 20 points for a first-place vote, 19 for a second-place vote, and so on. Robert Morris has now been listed in the poll in five of the past six weeks.

The first-place Colonials (8-1-3 AHC) made the jump in the rankings after downing Sacred Heart 5-4 and 8-4 in the friendly environs of 84 Lumber Arena. RMU, which is averaging a Division I-best 4.21 goals per game, has scored a total of 24 during its current four-game unbeaten streak (3-0-1). 

The Colonials also improved in other relevant rankings, rising three spots to 22nd in both the PairWise and the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). PairWise attempts to mimic the NCAA's tournament selection process, while RPI is one of the metrics used to set the 16-team postseason field.

In the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll, which rates the top 15 D-I teams, the Colonials earned 11 points to remain in the "others receiving votes" category. They are unofficially 17th, getting ever closer to their first appearance in that ranking.

RMU concludes fall-semester action this weekend in Erie, Pa., against in-state rival Mercyhurst. Games are set for 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Colonials have eight home games remaining this regular season, plus the third annual Three Rivers Classic on Dec. 29-30 at Consol Energy Center. Robert Morris joins the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins in hosting the third annual event, which also features Penn State, Western Michigan and Colgate.

For more information, including ticket pricing, visit RMUColonials.com or call 412-397-4949.

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