The West Region sees a huge shakeup as the first rankings of 2022 is released
Logan, UT. The Big Mountain Classic Showcase brought together some of the best teams in the West Region, and the weekend created some major movement in the Top 20 as the new rankings were released today. MSU-Denver rose six spots, jumping from #10 to #4. East Texas Baptist University moved back into the running for Regional spot coming at #8. Weber State continues to climb the rankings as they settled in at #7 up from #9 before the semester break.
In the Southeast Region, the top three teams are fighting for two autobid spots, and it is getting tighter and tighter, with the separation at only 0.6 points. North Carolina State retook the top spot, after losing it in the last ranking. Lurking in 3rd is FGCU, whose remaining schedule has the potential to provide the largest upward trend in the SOS (Strength of Schedule) of the three team. Indiana University makes their first appearance in the Top 10, as they pass fellow TSCHL team Ohio State.
The Northeast Region saw the least amount of movement as 8 of the top 10 teams remaining the same from the previous ranking. Bentley University did secure the #9 spot for the, moving up from #12. This ranking saw Army move the highest ranking ever in the ACHA, as they come in at #6.
Lastly, the Central Region continues to see Lindenwood and Iowa State securely in the top two spots, with Gustavus Adolphus continuing to be the surprise of the region. The WCCHA continues to have the most teams represented, with five teams in the Top 20.
There are four rankings remaining, with the final ranking period ending on Sunday, February 13th. The top two teams in each region will receive an automatic bid to the 2022 National Championships. The #3-#10 seeds will have a guaranteed spot in their respective Regional Tournament. The final four teams in each regional will be selected from either League Autobids or at large teams, depending on League tournaments.
