HOUGHTON — The first rankings for the 2017-18 season are out and Team Copper Country 18U Tier 2 debuted as the top-ranked team in the country. The defending national champions are 15-0-1 this season and have played the sixth-toughest schedule in the nation.

While Team CC is happy to be recognized for their efforts, what is most important is that their players continue to develop.

“The rankings help us with recognition and a possible national bid, if needed,” said coach Micah Stipech. “The main purpose of our program is to prepare these kids for their high school season.

“When we see them excelling and leading their high school teams, it is more meaningful than a ranking.”

Team CC features players from Calumet, Hancock, Houghton, Marquette and Kingsford. While the roster is largely unchanged at forward and in goal, but has been through a number of changes on defense.

Some of the new faces have already stepped up and become key components of the team’s fast start.

“Our defense has improved and been playing excellent,” said Stipech. “We had three shutouts in a row.”

Houghton’s Kevin Bostwick and Hancock’s Teddy Perrault have both developed into leaders on the blue line. A new face, Houghton’s Brendan Erickson, to the position has developed over the course of the fall.

“Kevin Bostwick and Teddy Perrault have really stepped up,” said Stipech. “Brendan Erickson has really come along and our blue line is becoming a strength.”

This weekend, Team CC plays three games at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena. They will host Duluth on Saturday at 2 p.m. On Sunday, they will face Green Bay for a pair of games at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.