FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tempe, AZ. (12/21/09):  The ACHA D-I Sun Devil Hockey Team will head into semester break ranked #8 in the latest American Collegiate Hockey Association Coaches Poll.  The Sun Devils began this season un-ranked and in a short period of time, have climbed into the Top 10.  "We really thought this is where we would be before the season started, there was just so much work put into this thing in the off-season.", said Head Coach Jeremy Goltz.  "Everyone in this organization starting from the top in Ken Lind (General Manager) all the way to Jeremy Thompson (Equipment Manager) has gone above and beyond to make the season a success to this point.  Our players are buying in and we have some key additions at the break coming in to push our existing guys and make us better.  January will really be a true test and tell us if we are a legitimate national contender."

ASU opens the 2nd half of the season on a 4 game road trip where they will face off against #7 Oklahoma twice and #12 Central Oklahoma twice.  It doesn't get any easier for the Sun Devils when they come back home to Tempe where they will face defending Div. II National Champion Davenport for two games, followed by defending Div. I National Champion Lindenwood for another two games.  "I think its safe to say that we will be heading into February feeling pretty battle tested.", said Goltz.