Updated: Bronco Hockey Moves Up To #4 Nationally Ahead of Tournament, Selection Sunday

Going into the NCHC conference tournament tomorrow, the Western Michigan Bronco Hockey team is ranked #4 in the all-important PairWise Power Rankings, which is a very strong indicator of what teams will be invited to the NCAA Hockey Tournament.First things first; The NCHC tournament in win or go home and Western plays Minnesota-Duluth, Friday at 5:00p. The game is on CBSSN on TV. Denver and North Dakota are the second game, and the winners play for the conference title on Saturday night, also on CBSSN.

On NCHCHockey.com, Bronco Captain Sheldon Dries says:

“This isn’t a three-game series. If you don’t play your 'A' game, you’re going to get knocked out. Starting with that first puck drop on Friday, we need to be ready.”

A good showing in the conference tournament certainly would help with seeding for the NCAA tournament. The pairings will be announced Sunday at Noon on ESPNU.

Update: Thursday evening, WMU Hockey coach Andy Murray was named NCHC Coach of the Year. Bronco Athletic Director Kathy Beauregard tweeted: "The most HUMBLE COACH I have ever met! Congratulations Coach Andy Murray NCHC Coach of The Year! Thankful he is our Bronco!"