10/18 Recap: 422 Sportsplex (Minor)

The PIHA Minor League’s Keystone Division returned to action this weekend with its second divisional showcase of the season, this time from 422 Sportsplex. Four of the division’s six teams hit the floor for a busy eight-game slate, continuing what’s been a fast-paced and ultra-competitive opening to the 2025–26 season.

The event marked the debut of the Marple Geese Chasers and Marple SK Labeda Gladiators, while the Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights and Susquehanna Scream played their second in-division event. With wins scattered across all four squads and more standout individual efforts, the parity and depth of the division were again on full display.

Geese Chasers Impress in League Debut

The Marple Geese Chasers made a loud entrance into the Keystone Division, going 3–1 on the day and emerging as one of the weekend’s most complete teams. Led by the scoring touch of Mark Constantine and Kyle Young, Marple kicked off their PIHA campaign with a convincing 8–4 win over Pottstown, where five different players found the scoresheet.

In their second game, the Geese Chasers edged out their cross-rink rivals, the Marple Gladiators, 3–2, in a tight defensive battle where Luke Viola notched a key power play goal and Matt Lemma stopped 19 of 21 shots in net.

Though they stumbled late in the day in a 4–3 loss to Susquehanna, the Geese rebounded with a commanding 6–1 win in a rematch with Pottstown to cap off the day. Kyle Young’s two-goal effort in the finale helped solidify a successful 6-point debut weekend.

Gladiators Strong Out of the Gate

The Marple SK Labeda Gladiators also made their PIHA Minor League debut on Saturday and did so in style, posting a 3–1 record while showcasing a well-balanced lineup and stingy team defense.

They opened with a 4–1 victory over the Susquehanna Scream, powered by goals from Jack Phelan and Rocco Colucci, and backed by solid goaltending from Tommy Molloy, who turned aside 16 of 17 shots.

Their lone setback came in a narrow 3–2 loss to the Geese Chasers, but the Gladiators quickly regained form with a 6–2 rout of Pottstown, featuring a pair of goals from Don Susini, and then closed the day with a statement 10–0 shutout win over Susquehanna, where all four lines contributed and Cameron Tkacz and John Bright stood out with multi-point games.

The Gladiators allowed just six goals against in four games — the fewest of any team at the event.

Iron Knights Stay Busy, Split the Day

The Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights became the first team to reach eight games played on the season, going 2–2 on Saturday to keep pace in the standings despite the heavy workload.

After an early 8–4 loss to the Geese Chasers, the Iron Knights bounced back with an 8–5 win over Susquehanna, fueled by standout efforts from Alec Moyer, Christian Wenger, and Cody Rotkiske, each of whom had multi-point performances.

Their afternoon matchups were less kind, as they dropped a 6–2 decision to the Gladiators and fell again to the Geese Chasers, 6–1, in the rematch. Still, Pottstown showed flashes of their offensive firepower and have proven they can skate with anyone in the division when they find rhythm in transition.

Scream Show Flashes but Drop Three of Four

Coming off an event-opening 2–2 record in Rockville, the Susquehanna Scream entered the day looking to climb up the standings but ran into a tough slate and finished 1–3 on the afternoon.

They dropped their opener to the Gladiators, 4–1, despite a strong showing from Erik Balthaser and Ian Meiskey on the back end. A second loss followed in a high-scoring battle with Pottstown, but the Scream notched a big win in their third game — a 4–3 thriller over the Geese Chasers, where Matt Miller, Robby Schaeffer, and Jay Mazer helped seal the win in a late-game surge.

However, the day ended on a sour note as they were blanked 10–0 by the Gladiators, unable to generate sustained offense or solve the Gladiator defense in the late evening matchup.

Despite the record, the Scream’s high-tempo style and dangerous transition game continue to make them a threat, especially as the chemistry continues to build around veteran leader Brian Yingling.

Looking Ahead

With two divisional events now in the books, the Keystone standings are beginning to take shape. The division returns to Rockville Sportsplex next weekend for its third showcase — a critical early measuring stick as all six teams continue to battle for playoff positioning in PIHA’s 25th Anniversary season.