GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The University of Providence hockey team is ranked #6 in the latest ACHA Division II West Regional Rankings, one ranking lower than they were in the initial poll.

The rankings come out two weeks after the Argos (5-2) won three all three games of their triple-header against ranked opponents. The squad took down #18 Utah State in a shootout on the first night, before cruising past #12 Weber State. The team had a close game against #16 BYU, beating the Cougars in overtime to solidify the weekend.

"We're fine with it," head coach Jeff Heimel said. "Computer rankings are weird. This early in the season there are teams that haven't played a lot of games so there isn't a lot of data so it's going to shake a little bit. But we did what we needed to do two weeks ago to compile good ranking points. We definitely are content with where we're at right now."

The team has played seven games so far on the season, compiling a 5-2 record. Heimel has worked with the team on improving every day in practice so they can fulfill their long-term goals on the season.

"They've been able to start the season well," Heimel said. "They've been able to compete well. They've been manageable in that high-character, low-maintenance aspect. We need to be more concerned with our big picture items and less concerned with things that are outside of our control. We're constantly coaching that. Those details matter. Obviously keeping in mind the big picture in the day-to-day grind of things."

Once the Argos return from Thanksgiving break, they'll shift their focus to the #11 Montana State Bobcats, their opponent for the next three games. Because both teams are high in the rankings, these next three games will be critical for the next iteration of the poll. 

"They are big games," Heimel said. "They've been a top 10 team since we started this. Those are always big games. Especially heading into Christmas break, we want to end on a good note and enter the new year fresh. We want to put ourselves in a good spot for the season moving forward."

The Argos will host the Bobcats on Dec. 3 at the Great Falls Ice Plex. The puck will drop at 7:00 p.m.