EAST MEADOW, N.Y. - Through seven weeks of the season, the Long Island University men's ice hockey team (5-6-0) is ranked No. 15 in the NCAA Percentage Index (NPI), the NCAAs official ranking for selection and seeding of the NCAA Tournament. This past weekend the Sharks split with the University of Minnesota, downing the perennial powerhouse program 6-2 on Friday night.

LIU's resume features two wins over programs receiving votes in the national coaches' poll at the time (Canisius College, 6-1 on Oct. 11, and Minnesota, Nov. 14) and two narrow losses to nationally ranked teams (then-No. 2 Boston University, 4-2 on Oct. 4, and No. 5 Penn State University, 5-4 in OT on Oct. 17).

Prior to dropping Saturday's game at Minnesota, LIU rattled off four consecutive wins, including a weekend sweep of Robert Morris University on the road.

The Sharks are currently ranked 14^th nationally in scoring offense, averaging 3.45 goals per game. LIU has scored at least five goals in a game four times this season and are led by senior forward Brett Rylance, who ranks 11^th nationally with .70 goals per game (7 total).

The Sharks return to action this Friday night versus Merrimack College at home. Puck drop at Northwell Health Ice Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.