The Champion Asheville Aces delivered a dominant performance in their Southeast Division Semi-Final series, shutting down the Hendersonville Broadway Blades in back-to-back games to punch their ticket to the Division Final.
With a disciplined defense, strong goaltending, and timely scoring, the Aces now await the winner of the Raleigh Mops vs. Jacksonville Citrus Kings series to determine who they’ll face in the Southeast Division Final.
Game 1: Aces Stifle Broadway Blades with 3-0 Shutout
The series opener saw a defensive chess match early, with both teams struggling to generate offense in the first period. However, once the Aces found their rhythm, there was no looking back.
Second Period Surge Secures the Win
After a scoreless first period, the Aces broke through in the second:
- Dan Dean (6:25, ES) opened the scoring off a feed from Jason Whitman.
- Just two minutes later, Dean struck again (4:21, PP) on the power play to extend the lead.
- Michael Borst (3:42, ES) added the insurance goal to put the game out of reach.
Goaltender Brandon Shirley was rock-solid for the Aces, stopping all eight shots he faced for the shutout, while Ethan Williams made 18 saves in the loss for the Blades.
Game 2: Aces Rally for 4-1 Victory to Complete the Sweep
Unlike Game 1, the Broadway Blades came out strong, determined to keep their season alive.
Blades Strike First, But Aces Take Over
- Gabe Bahn (7:01, ES) gave Hendersonville their first lead of the series in the opening period.
- Dan Dean (6:46, ES) responded quickly for Asheville, tying the game at 1-1 before the first period ended.
Second Period Dominance
- Dean continued his stellar series, scoring the go-ahead goal at 7:32 of the second.
- Austin Gomez (2:01, ES) provided an insurance goal, finishing off a pass from Dean.
- Dean completed his hat trick (0:21, ES) in the final seconds, sealing the 4-1 victory.
Shirley made 21 saves on 22 shots, holding off Hendersonville’s late-game push. Williams stood tall in net again but couldn’t stop the Aces’ relentless offense, finishing with 19 saves on 23 shots.
Looking Ahead: Aces Await Southeast Division Final Opponent
With the 2-0 series sweep, the Champion Asheville Aces advance to the Southeast Division Final, where they will face the winner of the Raleigh Mops vs. Jacksonville Citrus Kings series.
- The Mops and Citrus Kings were headed to a decisive Game 3, meaning the Aces will be well-rested and ready for the next challenge.
- Dan Dean was the star of the series, tallying four goals in Game 2 and proving to be a difference-maker for Asheville.
Will the Aces continue their dominance in the Division Final? We’ll find out soon!