10/19 Recap: Pepsi Roller Sports (Minor/Semi)

The PIHA Rocky Mountain Region wrapped up its opening weekend on Sunday afternoon at the Pepsi Roller Sports Arena in Colorado Springs. After a pair of Pro Division matchups kicked off the festivities on Friday night, and a full slate of Saturday games at Foothills Fieldhouse, the weekend came full circle with Minor and Semi-Pro matchups hosted by the Denver-based Stallions clubs.

Each team took the floor for the first time this season, aiming to set the tone early in both the Rocky Mountain and Centennial divisions.

Minor Division: Stallions Sweep Home Doubleheader

The Denver Stallions Minor squad opened the day by taking on the visiting Manitou Vikings in a back-to-back set. Both teams made their 2025-26 season debuts, with Denver showcasing excellent team structure and balanced scoring.

In Game 1, the Stallions pulled away late in a tight contest, scoring four times in the second half to win 5–3. Defenseman Brian Danziger contributed two key goals during the late push, while Matt Lodge stood tall in net with 20 saves on 23 shots. The Vikings found offense from Vinny Pauly and Jesse Paulay, but were ultimately stymied by the Stallions’ pressure.

Game 2 was a tighter affair early, with neither team breaking through until the second half. But again, the Stallions executed in key moments. Goals by Gage Griego, Alec Kapicak, and Danziger sealed a 3–1 win and the doubleheader sweep. The Vikings tallied just once, as Denver’s defense settled in behind a stingy performance from goalie tandem Lodge and Dustin Moulton, who combined for 14 saves on 15 shots.

Semi-Pro: Stallions and Thunder Split Sunday Clash

In the Semi-Pro ranks, the Colorado Stallions and Front Range Thunder each earned a win in their Sunday doubleheader. The Thunder, who had already competed the previous day at Foothills Fieldhouse, looked sharp in Game 1, defeating the Stallions 4–1 behind a disciplined and opportunistic effort.

Colorado opened the scoring on a goal by Caleb Weien, but couldn’t maintain momentum. Front Range responded with four unanswered goals—highlighted by Zach Goble and Brian Rudolph—while controlling the pace and outshooting Colorado 26–13. Goaltender Jerett Lazor was solid in net for the Thunder, turning away 12 shots for the win.

However, Game 2 saw the Stallions bounce back in a big way, dominating the rematch 7–3. Forward Lukas Lyszyk took over offensively, scoring two goals and adding two assists in a dynamic performance. Colorado stormed out to a 4–1 lead in the first half and never looked back, capping off the weekend with a resounding victory.

Defender Jason Ingrum also tallied for Colorado, while Kam Shoup made 25 saves in net to secure the win. The Thunder, despite goals from Mike Enright and Trey Aragon, couldn’t replicate their earlier form.

Weekend Reflections

Sunday’s games concluded a high-energy opening weekend across the region. With Pro, Semi-Pro, and Minor teams now officially underway, the Rocky Mountain division promises to bring fast-paced, high-intensity action in the coming months.

For the Stallions—both Colorado (Semi-Pro) and Denver (Minor)—it was an ideal start on home floor. For Manitou and Front Range, early lessons from opening weekend should serve as fuel heading into future matchups.

More Rocky Mountain action returns next week as early season rivalries begin to heat up.