EXCELSIOR, Minn. – The Trine University men's hockey team once again held ground in the latest USCHO.com Division III coaches poll, coming in at 11th for the third straight week.
The Thunder received votes totaling 80 points in this week's edition of the poll. Fellow Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) member, this weekend's opponent in the semifinals of the Harris Cup Playoffs, St. Norbert College finished tenth in the rankings. Skidmore College moved up one spot to finish just behind Trine in 12th. Adrian College joins the Knights and Thunder as the third team to be ranked from the NCHA, currently sitting at third.
For the third year in a row, Trine secured a spot in the semifinals of the Harris Cup Playoffs. This past weekend they swept visiting Lawrence University in convincing fashion to earn their spot. On Friday, Sam Antenucci led the way with four points as the Thunder shutout the Vikings 5-0. Then on Saturday the team utilized a balanced offensive attack to secure a 6-2 victory. Antenucci sealed the game with a late empty net goal.
The team will travel to face St. Norbert on Saturday, February 24 for semifinals. The winner takes all game will be played in the Cornerstone Community Ice Center in Ashwaubenon, Wis. with opening puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET.