Pittsburgh, Pa. - After what could prove to be the most challenging week of the regular season, the Robert Morris University men's hockey team maintained its hold on a national ranking.

In the latest United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) national poll released on Monday, Robert Morris was listed at No. 20. This is the fourth consecutive USCHO poll the Colonials (12-4-4) have been ranked in and the seventh time in eight surveys they've earned a number next to their name.

Previous to this season, RMU had never been ranked in consecutive USCHO polls. Published by the Associated Press, the USCHO survey 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.

RMU, which was No. 19 in the Dec. 15 USCHO poll, went 1-2-1 over the past week - all against fellow ranked opponents. Head coach Derek Schooley's squad started that grueling stretch with a 4-2 victory over No. 20 Penn State at the Three Rivers Classic on Dec. 29. The Colonials then fell 6-1 to No. 14/17 Colgate the next night in the tournament championship game.

On Saturday, the Colonials tied 13th-ranked Bowling Green 2-2 in Toledo in the first outdoor game in program history before losing 4-1 to those same Falcons on Sunday night at 84 Lumber Arena. Having concluded its non-conference schedule, RMU will play exclusively in Atlantic Hockey for the final 14 games of the regular season. 

In other relevant rankings, the Colonials find themselves 25th 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. Also, RMU was one of five teams in the "others receiving votes" section of the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine top 15.

The next objective for the Colonials is winning their first Atlantic Hockey regular-season championship. RMU is 9-2-3 in conference play, currently holding a two-point lead over Holy Cross (7-1-5 AHC) for the top spot in the standings. Third-place Bentley (7-4-2 AHC) pays a visit to the Island Sports Center for an important two-game series this weekend.

The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 84 Lumber Arena. For more information, including ticket availability and pricing, visit RMUColonials.com or call 412-397-4949.

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