Though it took the weekend off from Central States Collegiate Hockey League action to play in two charity games to benefit the American Cancer Society, Ohio has nearly clinched second in the league’s regular seasons standings due to results elsewhere.
Iowa State, which came into the weekend five points Ohio with 37, lost both of its contests to Lindenwood by scores of 8-1 and 6-5. The Cyclones have no games left to play, and thus no points left to earn, in the league and could drop to fourth if results don’t go their way next weekend.
Robert Morris went into its series with in-state rivals Illinois with 30 points and the chance to catch the Bobcats with 12 points, while Illinois were just behind with 28 points.
But the Eagles and Illini could only split to share the spoils, giving each team six points. Both could still pass the Cyclones next weekend, when Robert Morris takes on Indiana and Illinois hosts Lindenwood.
All of this leaves the Bobcats in prime-position to finish the regular season in second place and a enjoy relatively easy path in the league tournament. All they’ll need to do is gain one point next weekend against last-placed Kent State, while Robert Morris will need two regulation Ohio defeats and two regulation wins against Indiana just to tie Ohio on 42 points.
If the Bobcats are able to finish in the runners-up spot they’ll again take on the Golden Flashes in the first round of the CSCHL tournament on Feb. 17.
cd211209@ohiou.edu
