Ball State, Western Michigan Come Out of Fort Wayne on Top of Standing

Fort Wayne, IN ? The Midwest Collegiate Roller Hockey League began its 2003-2004 campaign at the Plex in Fort Wayne, Indiana October 4th and 5th. The action was competitive all weekend as teams looked to start out on the top half of the standings. Ball State and Western Michigan came out of the weekend in 1st and 2nd respectively, each scoring hard fought wins against conference rivals. Ball State and Miami of Ohio faced off in the first feature length game played in the MCRHL, with BSU coming away with a 7-6 win, mainly due to a good power play performance with a lot of power play chances. After beating Miami 11-2 earlier in the day, Western Michigan was upset by an upstart Illinois team that was extremely competitive all weekend long, 8-6. Only one goal losses to Miami and Ball State, which could have gone either way, prevented the Illini from being undefeated. Throughout the weekend, Western looked to be the most powerful team, seemingly having the ability to turn on and off their competitive edge. In their three wins, the Broncos scored 33 goals while holding their opponents to 8. Among the B teams, it was again Illini making noise, as Illinois B went undefeated including a win against the newest member of the MCRHL, Division II Dayton. Western Michigan B and Eastern Michigan B also turned in strong weekends. Michigan State B seemed to be in control of every game, but came up short in 3 of 4, while Ball State B could not hold on to a second period lead against Miami for what would have been their only win of the weekend. Standings are updated on www.mcrhl.com, and expect statistics to be updated within a week, after the rosters are sorted out from this weekend?s play. The MCRHL will continue their season October 18th and 19th in Bloomington/Normal, IL where former Premier teams from Michigan State, Michigan, and Eastern Michigan will make their first appearances.