Development Division Closing in on Answers

Ohio State B was not able to upend conference rivals Michigan B and Eastern Michigan B, but they did pick up two wins on the weekend to move to 5 points on the season, which means they will be on their way to the playoffs with just a couple of wins.  The problem will be their schedule, as they play Michigan State B twice, Western Michigan B, and Eastern Michigan B this weekend.

Illinois State B was able to squeak out a point in a tie against Ball State B, but with an 0-8-1 record, they will likely need to win all three of their last games to catch the Buckeyes and make the MCRHL Championships.  The Redbirds are off this weekend and will finish the season at home during the Bloomington, Illinois event.

Ball State B did slightly better than the Redbirds, going 1-2-1 on the weekend.  With three points and 4 games to play, the Cards will also be chasing Ohio State B.  The Buckeyes have 5 points, and six games left, but play in a much tougher conference, so maybe BSU has a chance.  They too will finish the season in Bloomington.

Michigan B and Eastern Michigan B both took care of their business in Cincinnati, going 4-0 each for 18 points on the season.  Eastern B has one game remaining in the regular season, against Ohio State B, while the Wolverines have completed their required games.  By winning their last game, the Eagles would force Michigan State B to get 7 points in their last 4 games to win Conference B East.  In possibly the best Development Division matchup of the coming weekend, the one loss Spartans will take on the undefeated Northern Illinois Huskies.

Illinois B lost both of their games on the weekend, and now actually find themselves in the race for the final playoff spot.  They have six games left, a large number to be sure, but have comparable points (4) to Ohio State B (5), Ball State B (3), Illinois State B (1), and Dayton (1).  The Illini will play an amazing six games in Bloomington to close out the season and hopefully secure a top spot in Conference B West.

 

The Dayton Flyers were defeated in both of their games on the weekend, and now much search for answers after having only recorded one point through nine games.  To not win all three of their games in Bloomington would probably mean that would be the last time we?d see the Flyers this season.  To get back into competitive action was a good step for Dayton, however, and this year is a step in the road to rebuilding.

 

As mentioned, the coming weekend will bring a test for the undefeated Northern Illinois squad as they play Michigan State B and Western Michigan B in league play.  They will also play Eastern Michigan B in an exhibition game.  It seems the Huskies have been asking for a more challenging schedule, and they certainly have that this Saturday and Sunday.

Western Michigan B will also have a tough weekend, but will hope to move a step closer to clinching Conference B West.