Pittsburgh, Pa. - A week of firsts continues for the Robert Morris University men's hockey team, as it followed up its inaugural regular-season conference title by being nationally ranked for a program-record fifth consecutive time.

The Atlantic Hockey champion Colonials were ranked 20th in the United States College Hockey Online (USCHO) poll released Monday, establishing a new team best for longevity in the polls. RMU (21-6-5, 18-4-4 AHC) clinched the top seed in the upcoming AHC tournament with a 4-3 victory Friday night at RIT, extending its unbeaten streak to nine games (8-0-1) before falling 4-3 on Saturday.

Robert Morris, which was ranked 19th by USCHO last week, has been listed in 12 of 19 surveys this season and has at least received votes in all of them. Published by the Associated Press, the USCHO poll consists of 50 voters, including coaches, beat writers and other sports professionals from across the country. 

In other national rankings, the Colonials are 23rd in both the PairWise and Ratings Percentage Index (RPI). PairWise mimics 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 seven teams in the "others receiving votes" section of the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine top 15, coming in at an unofficial 20th.

Not only have the Colonials established supremacy over the rest of the conference this season, they have also distinguished themselves nationally. RMU's winning percentage of .734 is the fourth best out of 59 Division I men's hockey teams, and its six total losses are tied for the fewest in the country.

Although they have already locked up the regular-season crown, the Colonials still have two games to play before the AHC playoffs begin. RMU takes on league foe Niagara in a home-and-home series this weekend, starting Friday in western New York and concluding Saturday night at 84 Lumber Arena.

Following Saturday's game, the Colonials will be presented the AHC regular-season trophy by conference commissioner Bob DeGregorio. In addition, the team will honor the winningest senior class in program history - Cody Wydo, Scott Jacklin, David Rigatti and Jeff Jones. That quartet has helped RMU claim 77 victories since starting their NCAA hockey careers in October 2011.

After enjoying a first-round bye in the AHC tournament, the Colonials will host a best-of-three quarterfinal series against the lowest remaining seed at 84 Lumber Arena from March 13-15. For information on ticket availability and pricing, visit RMUColonials.com or call 412-397-4949.

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