Arizona hockey: No. 11 Wildcats host NAU and Delaware in first home games of season

For the first time since 2006, the Arizona Wildcats are ranked in the top-eleven in the country.

After sweeping No. 3 Oklahoma in Oklahoma City last weekend, the Wildcats moved up six spots in the ACHA poll from No. 17 to No. 11.

Also of note, Arizona State leapfrogged Minot State to become the top ranked team in the country, and Arizona's division foes Central Oklahoma gained 8 spots after jumping to No. 3.

This weekend marks the first home games of the year for Arizona after starting the year 5-4-0 on the road, seven of those games against nationally ranked teams.

Coach Sean Hogan is excited to finally be at home for regular practices after having to travel back-and-forth to Chandler during the week for practice.

"To be honest, we're looking for regular practice," said Hogan.  "The guys are just so excited not to have to go to Chandler and have to get on the bus at 8:30 at night.  To come to the rink, and have your stuff in your stall and not in your bag and at your dorm.  So that's the thing we're looking forward to most.  There's a lot more time to prepare."

Friday night, the Wildcats take on the NAU Icejacks, who they defeated twice in Flagstaff four weeks ago.  Saturday night, the No. 6 Delaware Blue Hens come to Tucson after facing No. 1 Arizona State Thursday and Friday (ASU won last night 7-2 despite suspending nine players for the game).  Sean Hogan has never coached or played against Delaware.

Both games start at 7:30 PM at the Tucson Convention Center.  You can watch the games live online for free here

Check out the Daily Star's article on the team being ranked 11th and the depth at defensemen.

And here's the Daily Wildcat's feature on goalie Steven Sisler, who was between the pipes for the two Oklahoma games last week.