Where good news shines

Colorado College hockey earned an early Christmas gift by sweeping previously top-ranked North Dakota last weekend.

For the first time since Dec. 2, 2012, the Tigers (9-6-1) are ranked among the top 20 teams in the nation, according to U.S. College Hockey Online’s weekly poll. Following Colorado College’s pair of overtime wins over the Fighting Hawks Friday and Saturday, the Tigers earned the No. 20 spot as they head into a holiday break.

The Denver Pioneers (12-5-1) stayed at No. 5 after splitting a series at Western Michigan.

North Dakota fell to No. 4 after CC’s sweep. Boston College received 34 first-place votes to become the new No. 1 team in the country.

Other National Collegiate Hockey Conference teams in the top 20 include No. 12 Western Michigan and No. 14 St. Cloud State.

The Tigers remain on break until Dec. 29 when they host Minot State at Robson Arena in an exhibition game. The Pioneers are off until a Dec. 30 exhibition against Minot State.

(“Colorado Sunshine” celebrates the good news in sports. Suggestions encouraged through Denver Gazette sports editor Paul Klee at [email protected].)