Prior to the final rankings, which were announced lastTuesday, the Stony Brook hockey team found themselves ranked third in thenortheast region of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. The playersknew that they were assured a spot at nationals, but one question stillremained: where would they finally stand?

After a decisive 6-1 win over NYU and a thrilling 2-1 OTvictory against Siena, in which the Seawolves trailed before Billy Sullivantied the game and Anthony Fronzoni scored to win it, that question has finallybeen answered.

Not only will the Seawolves be heading to their fourthstraight national tournament, they will do so as the number one ranked teamfrom the northeast region of the ACHA. This year will mark the first time thatSBU will head to nationals as the number one team from their region. The topfour teams from each geographical region are invited.

This year’s tournament will be held in Anaheim,California. In round robin play, the Seawolves will face the University ofIllinois, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Colorado State University.The winner of the pool will move on to the semifinals.

Before the Seawolves focus their full attention on the nationaltournament, they will go after the league title. Stony Brook finished theregular season in second place in the Super East Collegiate Hockey League withan 11-3 record (21-8-2 overall). As a result, they will receive a bye in thefirst round of the playoffs. They took on the winner of the SienaCollege/Marist College match up on Feb. 15. Check back for results.