(Semi) Top Seed Frost onto Finals

by A. Flynn & C.G.P. Thurgood

The Mile High Frost, the Rocky Mountain's top seed in the semi-pro needed every inch to measure up to what it would take to navigate out of the playoffs and onto the PIHA Finals.  Fresh off a series victory against the Aurora Royals, the Front Range Thunder road their momentum with a 5-2 victory in game one.  The Frost found themselves in game two with an impressive 9-2 victory, setting up yet another game three at XFinity on Saturday.  It was probably the tightest game of the entire day, but the Frost found the late answer to break a 4-4 tie and advance to the PIHA FInals next weekend.

Series Recap

Game 1: Front Range Thunder Dominates Mile High Frost in a Convincing 5-2 Victory

In a display of sheer dominance and strategic gameplay, Front Range Thunder emerged victorious against Mile High Frost with a final score of 5-2. The game, marked by aggressive play and remarkable teamwork, saw Front Range Thunder taking control from the outset, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

The scoring opened with Mile High Frost taking an early lead, thanks to Sean Wilson's goal at the 12-minute mark. However, their joy was short-lived as Front Range Thunder quickly equalized through Kyle Cook, with assists from the Minder duo, Mitchell and Dawson. This goal was a turning point, as it kickstarted Thunder's relentless assault on Frost's defense.

Front Range Thunder continued their offensive onslaught with Dawson Minder finding the net, again off an assist from Mitchell Minder, showcasing their potent attacking synergy. Mitchell Minder then took center stage, scoring two consecutive goals, first assisted by Kyle Cook and then by Dawson Minder, to extend the lead to 4-1 by the end of the first period.

As the second period commenced, Front Range Thunder didn't let up. Mitchell Minder, completing his hat-trick, scored his third goal of the match, with Dawson Minder and Kyle Cook combining once again to set up the play, solidifying Thunder's lead to 5-1.

Mile High Frost managed to claw one back through Joe Losasso, with Blake Jakopec providing the assist, but it was too little too late. The match ended with Front Range Thunder securing a 5-2 victory, a testament to their offensive prowess and defensive solidity.

Interestingly, the match saw no penalties recorded, a rarity that speaks to the disciplined approach both teams brought to the game. Despite the physicality and competitiveness, the focus remained on skillful play and sportsmanship.

Front Range Thunder's victory is significant, underscoring their status as a formidable force. For Mile High Frost, while the defeat is a setback, there are positives to take from their performance, especially their resilience and the ability to open the scoring against a tough opponent.

As fans and analysts dissect the game, the conversation will undoubtedly revolve around Front Range Thunder's offensive strategy, the Minder-Cook connection, and what this victory means for the rest of the series.

Game 2:  Mile High Frost Overwhelms Front Range Thunder with a Stunning 9-2 Victory

In a reversal of fortunes and an astonishing display of offensive firepower, Mile High Frost decimated Front Range Thunder with a 9-2 victory, showcasing their dominance in game two, which was eagerly anticipated by fans. The game was a testament to Mile High Frost's relentless attack and strategic depth, which left Front Range Thunder struggling to find answers.

The game kicked off with Front Range Thunder taking an early lead through Michael Fisk, who found the back of the net with an assist from Mitchell Minder. This initial advantage, however, was quickly overshadowed by Mile High Frost's explosive response. Kyle Dowd, assisted by Anthony Deering, evened the score, setting the stage for a spectacular offensive showcase by Mile High Frost.

Blake Jakopec, with an assist from Sean Wilson, put Mile High Frost ahead, a lead they would only extend as the game progressed. AJ Snorewicz, also assisted by Sean Wilson, further widened the gap, demonstrating Mile High Frost's adept passing and finishing. Joe Losasso and Lance Scott continued the onslaught, with Scott scoring twice, once assisted by Snorewicz, showcasing their scoring depth and leaving the Front Range Thunder reeling.

Despite Dawson Minder scoring for Front Range Thunder, assisted by Mitchell Minder, any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed as Mile High Frost continued their scoring spree into the second period. AJ Snorewicz, Blake Jakopec, and Sean Wilson each found the net, with assists highlighting the team's cohesive play and strategic execution.

The gmeh ended with Mile High Frost securing a resounding 9-2 victory, a result that speaks volumes about their offensive capabilities and strategic preparation. For Front Range Thunder, the game was a tough lesson, but also an opportunity to reassess and regroup for future challenges.

Mile High Frost's victory sets up a win and move on, lose or go home scenario for both teams, as game three looms.

Game 3: Mile High Frost Edges Out Front Range Thunder in a Thrilling 5-4 Victory

In a closely contested game that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, Mile High Frost claimed a narrow 5-4 victory over Front Range Thunder. This game, filled with back-and-forth action, showcased the talent and determination of both teams, with Mile High Frost ultimately securing the win.

The game started aggressively, with Mile High Frost taking the lead through Blake Jakopec, assisted by Anthony Deering. However, Front Range Thunder quickly responded with goals from Mitchell and Dawson Minder, turning the tide in their favor. Not to be outdone, Blake Jakopec struck again for Mile High Frost, leveling the score at 2-2 by the end of the first period.

The second period saw no decrease in intensity. Kyle Cook, assisted by Eli Kujawa-Levine and Mitchell Minder, put Front Range Thunder ahead. Yet, Mile High Frost displayed resilience and teamwork, with Skyler Davis and Blake Jakopec (assisted once more by Anthony Deering) finding the back of the net, reclaiming the lead for Mile High Frost.

Front Range Thunder's Mitchell Miller, with assists from Dawson Minder and Brandon Williams, managed to tie the game once again, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion. With the tension palpable, Liam Campbell emerged as the hero for Mile High Frost, scoring the decisive goal that would seal the victory for his team.

For the first time in the series, the game was not without its share of penalties, adding to the drama. A major fighting penalty against AJ Snorewicz of Mile High Frost and a misconduct penalty against Mitchell Minder of Front Range Thunder for continuing a fight highlighted the physical and competitive nature of the game.

This victory for Mile High Frost moves them onto the Finals, where they represent the Mile High division, along with the Arvada Fire.