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The men’s hockey team will take a break from Western Collegiate Hockey Association play this weekend after sweeping Michigan Tech University last weekend and claiming its spot as the No. 1 team in the nation.

With an overall record of 22-2-0, DU reached the top ranking in the USA Today/American Hockey Magazine poll for the first time in the poll’s seven seasons.

Previously ranked No. 1, St. Cloud State helped the Pioneers out by losing at home Friday to Minnesota-Duluth, currently last place in WCHA. DU had to get it done against Michigan Tech to pick up the necessary points to slip in front of St. Cloud. After knocking off the Huskies of MTU 3-1 on Friday, the team completed the sweep with a 7-4 shoot out on Saturday.

Wade Dubielewicz picked up his tenth win of the season while stopping 33 of 34 shots in Friday night’s game. Dubielewicz was minutes away from a shutout, but the Huskies were able to end his streak of not giving up a goal at 104:41.

On Saturday, Adam Berkhoel guarded the net and stopped 20 of 24 shots.

Great play from DU’s forwards, especially Kevin Doell and Greg Barber, kept the team on top. Picking up four points for the series, Doell added two goals Saturday night to his goal in Friday’s game. Barber scored two goals in the series and added three assists.

Penalty killing continues to be strong for DU, extending its streak to six games without allowing a power play goal. MTU had several power play chances, including a five-minute major against James Armstrong, but couldn’t seem to get the puck out of their own zone.

DU was more successful on the power play, connecting twice in Friday’s game and once on Saturday with a goal by freshman Jeff Drummond. Drummond was named Rookie of the Week for the WCHA. He totaled three points with another late-game goal Saturday and an assist Friday.

Tomorrow, the Pioneers will host Bemidji State and then travel to Colorado Springs on Sunday to face Air Force Academy.