The latest USCHO Division III Men’s Poll, released on February 16, provided a final regular-season twist for the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA). While Adrian officially secured the Peters Cup as regular-season champions, their series split with Trine allowed Aurora to trade positions in the latest national poll.

Aurora (20-4-1, 13-4-1 NCHA) climbed back to No. 3 this week with 242 points. The Spartans showed resilience in their final series against Dubuque. After a comfortable 7-4 win on Friday, Aurora faced a gritty Spartans squad on Saturday, falling behind late before forcing overtime. Jakson Kirk played the hero, netting the game-winner in the extra session to secure the sweep.

Adrian (18-6-1, 14-3-1 NCHA) officially clinched the NCHA Peters Cup and the No. 1 seed for the Harris Cup playoffs, but they slipped one spot to No. 4 in the national poll and received 237 points. The Bulldogs were dominant on Friday night, with Ryan Piros turning aside 24 shots in a 4-0 shutout of Trine to secure the conference title. However, the Bulldogs' momentum was halted on Saturday in Angola, Ind., as they fell 3-2 to the Thunder.

St. Norbert (17-6-2, 13-3-2 NCHA) remained solid at No. 5 with 207 points following a sweep of Lawrence. The Green Knights' defense was the story of the weekend, allowing just two goals over two games. Saturday’s 5-0 shutout victory featured a balanced attack and a stifling neutral zone defense that held the Vikings to minimal opportunities. The Green Knights enter the playoffs as the No. 2 seed, riding a wave of defensive consistency that makes a difficult opponent.

Trine (16-7-2, 12-4-2 NCHA) remained at No. 12 in the poll, but the ranking doesn't quite capture the momentum. After being shut out on Friday, the Thunder responded with an important win on Saturday night. A power-play goal from Josh Wright to begin the game and the game-winner by Brendan Finn vaulted the Thunder to victory. The win helped Trine secure the No. 3 seed in the NCHA standings, ensuring a home series to start the playoffs.

USCHO Men's Poll (February 9)
3. Adrian (260 points)
4. Aurora (216 points)
5. St. Norbert (214 points)
12. Trine (83 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (February 2)
3. Aurora (263 points)
4. Adrian (230 points
5. St. Norbert (192 points)
13. Trine (73 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (January 26)
2. Aurora (276 points)
5. St. Norbert (210 points)
6. Adrian (193 points)
12. Trine (65 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (January 19)
2. Aurora (278 points)
5. St. Norbert (209 points)
6. Adrian (205 points)
14. Trine (34 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (January 12)
2. Aurora (279 points)
3. St. Norbert (242 points)
6. Adrian (189 points)
15. Trine (22 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (January 5)
2. Aurora (276 points)
3. Adrian (229 points)
4. St. Norbert (226 points)
RV Trine (18 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (December 8)
2. Adrian (241 points)
3. St. Norbert (239 points)
4. Aurora (237 points)
12. Trine (82 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (December 1)
2. Aurora (279 points)
3. Adrian (241 points)
5. St. Norbert (217 points)
10. Trine (102 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (November 24)
2. Aurora (268 points)
3. St. Norbert (258 points)
4. Adrian (237 points)
11. Trine (72 points)
RV MSOE (8 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (November 17)
2. Aurora (229 points - 1 first-place vote)
3. St. Norbert (261 points)
4. Adrian (242 points)
11. Trine (99 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (November 10)
2. Adrian (276 points)
3. Aurora (257 points)
4. St. Norbert (211 points)
11. Trine (95 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (November 3)
3. Adrian (252 points)
4. Aurora (237 points)
6. St. Norbert (195 points)
11. Trine (82 points)

USCHO Men's Poll (October 13)
5. St. Norbert (217 points)
6. Aurora (212 poitns)
7. Trine (173 points)
10. Adrian (119 points)