Denver’s four-point weekend at North Dakota left a big impression on the voters in the USCHO.com and USA Hockey/USA Hockey Magazine NCAA Division I polls as both moved the Pioneers to No. 1 in their rankings.

It’s the first time DU has occupied the top spot in a national poll since March 15, 2010, more than three  years before Jim Montgomery took over as coach.

The Pioneers (7-2-1, 3-0-1) are riding an eight-game unbeaten streak. The run includes two victories over then-No. 2 Boston University, two victories over current N0. 18 Western Michigan, and a tie and victory at then No. 6 North Dakota this past weekend.

Tanner Jaillet

Denver allowed just three goals all weekend against North Dakota, which had been averaging nearly 3.5 per game. The Pioneers’ average of 1.80 goals allowed is the third-lowest in Division I, behind Army’s 1.50 and Bemidji State’s 1.33. No other team allows fewer than two goals per game.

The backbone of the Pioneers’ defense, junior goaltender Tanner Jaillet, was selected the NCHC Goaltender of the Week on Monday for the second time this season.

Jaillet is 7-1-1. His goals-against average of 1.66 is sixth-best in the nation, as is his save percentage of .934.

Freshman center Henrik Borgstrom, who scored the tying goal Friday and the winning goal Saturday, was nominated for the NCHC Rookie of the Week. He  was the conference’s rookie of the month for October. Defenseman Will Butcher already has twice been selected the league’s defenseman of the week this season.

DU plays host to Miami in an NCHC series Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (7 p.m.) at Magness Arena. The first intermission of Friday’s game will include a Teddy Bear Toss as part of the Care 4 Colorado Toy Drive. The stuffed toys will be collected and donated to area children at Boys & Girls Club holiday parties.