Logan, UT- The seventh rankings for Men's Division 2 were released today. The top two teams in each region held onto their spots and crept another week closer to securing a direct path to the Nationals. With COVID continuing to keep total games played down in the Division as many areas are still waiting to be cleared to play by their schools and/or counties they are in. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, check out the bottom of the article to see a list of leagues that have Regional Auto bids and when they will be decided.
Northeast- This division saw very little movement during the ranking period, as the top nine teams remained in the same spots as last week. Bryant University and Merrimack College continued to swap spots between #10 and #11. The Catamounts of Vermont continue to hold on to the last guaranteed "at large" spot for the Regionals, with Boston University, Providence College, and Clarkson University all vying for the chance to grab it.
Central: Marquette University was the biggest "mover" in the ranking, jumping up six spots and firmly planting themselves in the Regionals picture. Sault College, fresh off a good showing in the Miami Showcase, slides into the top regional spot for this week, passing Gustavus Adophus College, who had held the #3 slot for most of the year.
Southeast: While the top 8 teams are becoming more concrete over the last two weeks, the rest of the rankings seem to be destined to constant movement. Rider University got back into the top ten, rising from #11 to #9, and a safe slot for the Regionals for the week. University of Cincinnati's brutal schedule finally started to pay off as they moved up to #11 after their week at Miami. Probably the biggest surprise is University of North Carolina, moving into a potential "at large" bid at #12.
West: East Texas Baptist University saw itself move into the coveted #6 seed in the region (it is lowest seed to receive a first-round bye in the regionals). After dropping several spots in the previous ranking, University of Denver began to climb again, moving up to #8. It appears the BYU, Utah State, and Grand Canyon will be in a battle for a potential "at large" bid as their seasons will end in three weekends.
There are three 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.
Leagues with Autobids
Northeast
NECHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
SECHL: Regular Season Champion (currently Army)
Central
MACHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
WCCHA: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
Southeast
ACCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
CSCHC: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
MACH: TBD
TSCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/20)
West
MWCHL: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
PAC: Regular Season Champion (currently University of California-Los Angeles)
TCHC: Tournament Champion (Championship on 2/13)
WCHC: Regular Season Champion (currently Loyola Marymount University)
