(Semi) Front Range Thunder Advance Past Royals

The Front Range Thunder took just two games to knock out the Aurora Royals in the quarter finals. Both games proved to be offensive battles and the Thunder appeared to show up with more fire power on this particular day.  With the series win, the Thunder will advance to play the top seeded Mile High Frost later today to punch their admission to the PIHA Finals next weekend.

Series Recap

Game 1: Front Range Thunder Holds Off Aurora Royals in a High-Scoring Showdown

In an exhilarating clash that kept fans on their toes, the Front Range Thunder secured a hard-fought 7-5 victory over the Aurora Royals. The game was a tale of two halves, with the Thunder establishing a dominant lead in the first period and the Royals mounting a fierce comeback in the second.

The Thunder wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Mitchell Miller opening the scoring at 09:10, assisted by Mike Stone and Ethan Crosby. The momentum continued with Mike Stone quickly adding to the tally, making it 2-0. Mitchell Minder and Ethan Crosby further extended the lead, showcasing the Thunder's offensive prowess. However, the Royals showed signs of life with Connor Daniel putting them on the board late in the first period.

Despite the early setback, the Royals entered the second period with renewed vigor. After the Thunder extended their lead with goals from Mike Stone, Brandon Williams, and Mitchell Minder, the Royals embarked on a remarkable scoring spree. Nathan Hageman and Connor Daniel narrowed the gap, with Eli Smith adding two quick goals, bringing the game to a nail-biting 7-5 finish.

The Royals' aggressive play in the second period was evident in the shot count, with 19 attempts to the Thunder's 9, highlighting their determined effort to overturn the deficit. Despite their valiant comeback, the early lead built by the Thunder proved too much to overcome.

Game 2:  Front Range Thunder Outlasts Aurora Royals in High-Scoring Duel

In an exhilarating showdown that captivated fans from start to finish, the Front Range Thunder clinched a decisive 9-5 victory over the Aurora Royals. The match was a spectacle of offensive prowess and strategic play, with both teams showcasing their determination and skill.

The game commenced with an early lead by the Aurora Royals, as Jackson Cloney found the back of the net, assisted by Nathan Hageman, setting an aggressive tone. However, the Front Range Thunder quickly responded, overturning the deficit with a series of power plays and even-strength goals, demonstrating their offensive depth. Dawson Minder and Kyle Cook emerged as pivotal players, contributing significantly to the Thunder's tally in the first period.

Despite a 5-2 lead at the end of the first, the Thunder did not let up, continuing their scoring spree into the second period. Brandon Williams and Eli Kujawa-Levine extended their team's advantage, overwhelming the Royals' defense. The Royals, undeterred, mounted a comeback effort led by Connor Daniel and Jeremy Harbour, narrowing the gap to 9-5. Despite their valiant effort and outshooting the Thunder 24-19, the Royals could not overcome the early deficit.

Penalties played a critical role in the game's dynamics, with both teams facing minor infractions that tested their penalty kill units. The Royals' Eli Smith faced penalties for boarding and unsportsmanlike conduct, while Jeremy Harbour was penalized for slashing, moments that the Thunder capitalized on to extend their lead.