I didn't use "eh" once and I don't play hockey. Just offering a theory as to why they played in that group. Their director probably argued that all the MD teams have a bunch of kids that should be rising 10th graders. Next Level or LI Rage families should be proud their kids did well against them and not so worried about missing out on a $2 medal.
Funny, but not only are you a holdback apologist, but also think directors should use the "eye test" or take coaches opinions instead of using age or class divisions. btw, Evolve would've gotten smoked in the division they should have played, the 26's. Rage easily beats them at a comparable class level.
