GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Following a strong start to National Collegiate Hockey Conference play, North Dakota leapt to No. 9 in the USCHO.com Poll and held steady at No. 10 in the USA Hockey/The Rink Live Poll that were each announced on Monday.
 
UND (5-4-0, 2-0-0 NCHC) is coming off an impressive weekend at Minnesota Duluth to open NCHC action, grabbing all six points in the standings with a pair of resounding victories. The Fighting Hawks struck for the game's first six goals on Friday enroute to a 7-3 victory before jumping out to another big lead on Saturday to post a 4-1 win in the series finale.
 
NoDak has enjoyed a lot of success against Minnesota Duluth over the last few seasons, having now won 10 of the last 11 games between the two programs, including an active six-game winning streak. UND also extended its winning streak to seven at AMSOIL Arena, marking the longest stretch of consecutive victories in Duluth since a run of 13 straight in the 1960's.
 
It's right back to battles against ranked opponents for the green and white, however, with top-ranked Denver set to come to Grand Forks for a series beginning on Friday night at 7:07 p.m. from Ralph Engelstad Arena. UND has fared well against teams ranked No. 1 over the last decade, sitting at 7-6-2 overall entering this weekend.
 
For more information on North Dakota hockey, follow on social media @UNDmhockey or visit FightingHawks.com.