Gopher men tumble to No. 8 after big losses to UND

Last update: January 12, 2009 - 2:35 PM

The Gophers men's hockey team, thumped twice last weekend by North Dakota, was pushed down to No. 8 in the latest USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll.

At No. 1 for the fifth straight week is Notre Dame, earning 30 of 34 first-place votes.

Minnesota (10-5-5) had been ranked No. 3 before losing a pair to the Fighting Sioux in Grand Forks, 6-3 and 6-1.

Despite the impressive victories, North Dakota (13-10-1) remains on the outside looking up at the 15th and final spot in the ranking.

The 14th annual poll is conducted each week in conjunction with the American Hockey Coaches Association. It includes input from coaches and journalists representing each of the six NCAA Div. I conferences, as well as composite votes from officers of the AHCA and USA Hockey Magazine.

PAUL WALSH

Recent Gophers stories

Hobson has career-high 30 points to lead New Mexico over Louisiana Tech 81-52 - January 12, 2009

Hobson has career-high 30 points to lead New Mexico over Louisiana Tech 81-52 - Junior-college transfer Darington Hobson scored a career-high 30 points Saturday to lead New Mexico to an 81-52 victory over Louisiana Tech in the Basketball Travelers World Vision Classic. More