The University of Central Oklahoma headed into this past weekend with two goals in mind. Sweep the American Collegiate Hockey Association Showcase, and make a statement nationally. The Bronchos did both and in dramatic fashion this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Youngstown, Ohio.

The first official regular season rankings were released last Friday and UCO stayed at the 12-spot. This came after the Bronchos dropped their first two games against the number one team in the nation, but bounced back big-time. UCO had won four straight, prior to this set of rankings. Those for included a series of total domination over Saint Louis University.

Then UCO flexed their muscles against the, at the time, No. 22 team in the nation. They swept No. 22 Robert Morris, looking dominant at times.

Those two series sweeps were not enough to put the Bronchos into the top ten. However, this weekend went a long way in showing the voters why UCO belongs there.

The Bronchos faced three tough opponents in the Showcase, but would not be denied the three game sweep. It started with Youngstown State, who received votes in the preseason rankings, but came into the Showcase un-ranked. UCO had little difficulties getting their first win of the competition and shut out Youngstown 3-0.

The Bronchos had some more difficulties in the second match on Saturday as they played their first ranked opponent of the Showcase. UCO faced Duquesne University who is currently ranked No. 20 in the nation after starting the season No. 16. The game stayed tight early, but UCO broke away in the final period. The Bronchos would go on to trounce Duquesne 7-3.

Goaltender Justin Sgro faced 23 shots, letting three by. Jonathan Cannizzo continued his great season start with his second hat trick of the year. Team Captain Matt Cohn sunk one in the net, and added two assists. Tony Panizzo added a goal and an assist. Brent Block and captain Erik Janses also had scores in the win. Derek Szecsodi, Patrick Higgins, Nick Novak and team captain AJ Alfrey all had one assist. Jacob Roadhouse had four assists to his name on the night.

With that win, the Bronchos had three wins on the season against a ranked opponent. They would have another go at it on Sunday morning as they faced No. 9 Rhode Island in a battle of two evenly matched teams.

The game stayed tight all 60 minutes. The Bronchos finally downed the Rams in the third period. Rhode Island would have a chance late in the game as time expired to tie the game as they pulled their goalie and crashed the net, but UCO held strong and won the game 4-3. Sgro faced 34 shots, and let in three. Shawn Steggles had one goal and an assist. Cannizzo scored a goal and had an assist. Brent Block scored a goal himself, and Roadhouse added the fourth score. Higgins had a lone assist, to pair with Alfrey and Cohn who had two a piece.

With the three game sweep this past weekend, the Bronchos move to 7-2 on the season. They have four quality wins against ranked opponents. Their only two losses game in the two game opening series against the reigning national champions and top-ranked Lindenwood University. They wanted to make a statement, and they have.

UCO will have a week off to recover and then return home to play Indiana at Arctic Edge Arena on October 23-24 in a two game series.