2025 PIHA Draft Recap

The Professional Inline Hockey Association’s 2025 player cycle delivered a blend of blue-chip draft picks, savvy late-round value, and rising-star spotlights that underscore the sport’s expanding footprint. From Mount Joy, Pennsylvania to Hawai‘i and the Bay Area, here’s the complete, consolidated look at all ten stories—draft selections and notable player developments—rolled into one definitive recap.

1) Parker Royals select Grayden Powell first overall

Mount Joy, PA native Grayden Powell—a dynamic two-way forward with a quick release and relentless motor—was chosen No. 1 overall by the Parker Royals. A standout for the Rink Rat Vipers and the Notre Dame Hockey Academy, Powell was also named to Team World at State Wars 2025. Inspired by Brayden Point, he arrives as a ready-made driver who elevates play at both ends.

2) Moriches Sting add power forward Jordan Dunn at No. 2

The Moriches Sting doubled down on size and scoring by grabbing Jordan Dunn (Colorado Springs, CO) second overall. The MVP of Midwest Wars 2025 and top goal-getter at two national events, Dunn sharpened his game with CarShield Blast Elite and skates with the Colorado Rampage AAA 15O on ice—bringing a complete, heavy scoring profile to Long Island.

3) Lakewood Fire handpick Chicago standout Brody Roche

Known for his quick release and reliable two-way details, Chicago forward Brody Roche (right shot) has been groomed by longtime USA National Team player Dan Costanza. He also features with the 15U Chicago Bulldogs (ice), translating intensity and scoring touch across both surfaces—exactly the balanced toolkit Lakewood covets.

4) No surprise: Thunder grab Tayvn Yoder at No. 4

A pillar of the Inline National Development Program (NDP) since inception and a 2025 Team USA West pick, Tayvn Yoder (Tour YVU) blends leadership with pace and polish. Based in Colorado Springs, he trains year-round with Colorado Rampage 15O AAA on ice, projecting as a culture-setting piece for the Thunder’s future.

5) Finn Wong heads to the Dogs’ crease pipeline

From Los Gatos, CA, goaltender Finn Wong continues his rapid ascent. A serial standout at NARCh Regionals and recently voted Most Improved Player for Mayhem Black, Wong’s agility and puck-tracking have him earmarked as an exciting netminding addition for the Dogs organization moving forward.

6) Pittsburgh Inferno energize the top six with Bishop Weiss at No. 6

Selected sixth overall, Bishop Weiss (left shot, Colorado Springs) brings pace, forecheck pressure, and playmaking pop. He’s a creator for Tour YVU (inline) and competes on ice for Rampart High School, projecting as a relentless connector who makes linemates better.

7) Hawai‘i pipeline surges: Maiya Birdsall earns dual State Wars selections

The Hawai‘i Inline Hockey Initiative (HIHI) spotlighted right-shot forward Maiya Birdsall (Kapolei, HI), chosen to skate for Team World and Team Pride Girls at State Wars 2025. Mentored by Jon Chun, Birdsall’s skill, compete, and multi-sport athleticism (swimming, hiking) exemplify the growing depth and reach of the game—an encouraging sign for Southeast–West pathways.

8) Blue-line boost: Tai Krstolic chosen by the Outcasts

San Jose defenseman Tai Krstolic (Tour Mayhem) heads to the Outcasts, bringing a heavy left-hand shot and sturdy zone defense. Comfortable walking the line and activating with purpose, Krstolic also loves to fish and models his mindset after Macklin Celebrini—a mix of poise and ambition that should translate at the next level.

9) Naples Kaos tap Jersey versatility with Aiden Barnett

Out of Deptford, NJ, Aiden Barnett joins Naples Kaos as a true utility piece. Developed by Denis Jelcic with the ISCA Grizzlies (inline) and seasoned with the Delco Phantoms (ice), Barnett arrives with multiple All-Star nods and three MVP honors. A John Schiavo disciple, he brings leadership, IQ, and plug-and-play value as Naples expands both Minor and Semi-Pro footprints.

10) Champions close it out: Suffolk Sting select Garrett Gilliam with the final pick

The defending champs used the final selection on Garrett Gilliam (right-shot D, Gallatin, TN), a composed defender currently with Music City Elite and a 2021 State Wars champion. Golf and lacrosse round out his athletic profile; on the rink he adds discipline and depth to an already formidable blue line.

Why this class matters

• National reach, real pipelines. From Pennsylvania to Hawai‘i and NorCal to Chicago, the player pool keeps widening—feeding the PIHA with speed, size, and skill.

• Two-way trends. A noticeable emphasis on complete players—forwards with defensive conscience (Powell, Roche), defenders who can stretch the ice (Krstolic), and high-motor creators (Weiss).

• Goaltending upside. Wong’s trajectory strengthens a premium position for the Dogs, a storyline to watch as he climbs the depth chart.

The fit, at a glance

• Royals (Powell): Top-line driver with two-way impact from Day 1.

• Sting (Dunn & Gilliam): Power scoring and calm defending—title defense DNA.

• Lakewood (Roche): Smart release, 200-foot game for close contests.

• Thunder (Yoder): NDP seasoning and leadership to stabilize a core.

• Inferno (Weiss): Energy and vision to unlock transition offense.

• Outcasts (Krstolic): Lefty heft and blue-line poise to manage tough minutes.

• Naples (Barnett): Versatility as the organization scales up both rosters.

• Dogs (Wong): Athletic goalie prospect with fast-tracking potential.

• HIHI (Birdsall): A beacon for the women’s and youth pipelines—proof of growth.

Final word

From a no-doubt No. 1 in Grayden Powell to a champion’s savvy final pick in Garrett Gilliam, plus emerging stories like Maiya Birdsall and Finn Wong, the 2025 class blends star power with sustainable depth. It’s a snapshot of where PIHA is headed: faster, broader, and unmistakably on the rise.