Champion Impact Surge Past Suffolk Sting, Punch Ticket to Metro Division Final

The Champion Impact punched their ticket to the Metro Division Final with a hard-fought series victory over the Suffolk Sting. After trading wins in the first two games, the Impact delivered a dominant Game 3 performance, riding Greg Braska's strong goaltending and a relentless offensive attack to a 7-3 series-clinching win.

Game 1: Impact's Power Play Leads the Way in 5-3 Win

The Impact struck first in the series with a 5-3 victory, taking advantage of their special teams dominance. Mike Taliercio led the charge, scoring twice, including a shorthanded goal to stifle Suffolk's comeback attempt.

Key Moments:

• Mike Landa (6:51, ES) got the Impact on the board early.
• Taliercio (11:02, PP & 7:10, PP, 2nd period) capitalized on the power play, putting the Impact in firm control.
• Taliercio (11:47, SH) followed up with a shorthanded goal, taking the life out of Suffolk’s comeback attempt.
• The Sting responded with three second-period goals, but couldn’t close the gap.

Goaltending Battle:

• Greg Braska (Impact) played a steady game, stopping 15 of 18 shots in the win.
• Dylan Kirpata (Sting) made 13 saves on 18 shots in the loss.

Game 2: Suffolk Sting Respond, Rally to Win 3-2

With their season on the line, the Sting stepped up defensively, limiting the Impact’s chances and finding timely scoring in the third period to secure a 3-2 win and force a decisive Game 3.

Key Moments:

• Josh Roland (9:13, ES, 2nd period) gave the Sting their first lead of the series.
• Sean Jermyn (7:10, ES & 00:43, ES, 2nd period) added crucial insurance goals.
• The Impact managed just four second-period shots, struggling to create scoring opportunities.
• Suffolk's defense locked down the Impact late, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3.

Goaltending Battle:

• Dylan Kirpata (Sting) rebounded with a 22-save performance, keeping the Impact at bay.
• Greg Braska (Impact) made 17 saves on 19 shots, but couldn’t withstand the Sting’s late surge.

Game 3: Impact Overwhelm Sting, Dominate 7-3 to Clinch Series

With the season on the line, the Impact delivered their most dominant performance, outshooting Suffolk 19-2 in the second period and securing a 7-3 victory to advance.

Key Moments:

• Taliercio (10:43, ES & 8:34, ES, 1st period) continued his stellar series with two early goals.
• Mak Kelleher (5:40, ES & 00:50, ES, 2nd period) sealed the win with back-to-back goals.
• The Impact’s offense overwhelmed the Sting, outshooting them 19-2 in the second period.
• Suffolk had no answers defensively, as the Impact controlled possession and dictated the pace.

Goaltending Battle:

• Greg Braska (Impact) stood tall in net, stopping 16 of 19 shots to backstop his team to victory.
• Dylan Kirpata (Sting) was under fire all night, facing 19 shots in the second period alone.

What’s Next?

With the win, the Champion Impact advance to the Metro Division Final, where they will face the top-seeded Mach 1 Moustache.

The Moustache enter as favorites, but the Impact’s explosive offense and Braska’s reliable goaltending give them a real shot at pulling off the upset.

Puck drop for the Metro Division Final is set for tomorrow.