DVCHC teams picked up 9 of 10 spots in the final ACHA East ranking of 2011 -- the most votes the Mid-Atlantic region has ever claimed.

The University of Delaware was a unanimous #1 pick, ruling the seaboard with 52 goals for and only 7 against in ACHA play.  Surging Slippery Rock, who recently tied UD, ranked a close 2nd and the women of Cal U placed 3rd, up two spots from their November showing.  If this were the final ranking, all three would represent the DVCHC at the 2012 ACHA National Championship, an exciting possibility.

Fortunately for those teams next in line, West Chester (4th) and UVA (5th), there are two more rankings before a top three can be selected.  West Chester, who finished 2nd at last year's championship, has a real chance as do the Hoo's of Virginia, enjoying a banner year.   
 

Liberty University, Maryland, the Naval Academy and American (who received votes without being a member of the ACHA) were also listed as top 10 out of 13.  Bates College, the only northeastern team on the list, was ranked 9th, an oddly distant cry from the North's typically strong showing.  

Next weekend, as teams get back to the ice, many will be playing for a trip to Wooster, Ohio and the ACHA's biggest stage.  

It's doubtful much will change for the season's 3rd ranking on January 27th, only two games will be played before that time.  The final ranking however will be one to watch.  February 17th, the first day of DVCHC playoffs may also be the date three Mid-Atlantic squads get the official nod for nationals.  Who it will be is still  anyone's guess...