'JACKETS JUMP TO #2 IN USCHO POLL

US College Hockey Online released its weekly poll on Monday and for the third straight week the Yellowjackets jumped ahead in the ranking.  The team has gone from #13 in the original poll, to #8 two weeks ago to #5 last week.  Following Saturday's win over St. Norbert, the poll's number one team, the 'Jackets are now ranked second in the nation, behind only Plattsburgh State, who is 6-0-1 on the year.  They trail the Cardinals by nine points and are a mere three points ahead of number three St. Norbert. "Hopefully the trend continues.  That means we've kept winning," said Yellowjacket Head Coach Dan Stauber.  "There are a lot of things to keep in mind.  First off, this poll is unofficial.  It doesn't factor into the NCAA rankings at the end of the year, which is what we're focused on.  I know people talk a lot about it and it generates discussion and excitement, but it doesn't have any meaning in the NCAA selection process.  Second, it's only November.  Any ranking we currently have won't mean a thing come February and March.  There's a lot of hockey to be played, and a lot of tough opponents waiting for us between now and then." Among the opponents the 'Jackets will face the rest of the way are St. Norbert, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stout, UW-River Falls, Gustavus, St. Scholastica, Bethel and St. Olaf, all of whom received at least one vote in this week's poll. "It's nice that the people who do vote on this poll, and I know there are some coaches and some media, recognize that we are playing some good hockey right now," Stauber said.  "And that's what's important to our staff and our team in that locker room.  We want to continue playing the good hockey we've been playing the first month of the season." The 'Jackets were an unranked team for stretches last season and the season before, but have turned it around so far in 2008-09, tying the best 10-game start in school history.  The number two ranking is the highest the 'Jackets have seen since they spent a week at number one in 2004-05, a season where they were the last unbeaten team in Division III hockey and set the school record for fewest losses. The 'Jackets (9-1-0, 4-0-0 NCHA) have a short week this week, returning to action on Wednesday night with a road game against Bethel.  The Royals are 5-2-1 on the year and tied for second place in the MIAC.  Game time on Wednesday night is 7:05 p.m., with the pre-game show getting underway at 6:45 p.m.  You can listen to the game live locally on KUWS 91.3 FM.  If you are outside the local listening area, you can tune in via the Internet at www.kuws.fm.  Jon Garver will have the call.