Dirty Dawgs Dominate Minor Final, Sweep Suffolk to Claim First-Ever PIHA Championship

by Anthony Flynn

The Motor City Dirty Dawgs are PIHA champions.

Motor City completed a two-game sweep of the Suffolk Sting in the PIHA Minor Final Series, winning Game 1, 3–0, and Game 2, 6–2 to secure the first PIHA Championship in franchise history. The Dawgs’ tone-setter throughout the weekend, Jake Rhoades, was named Finals MVP.

Game 1: Motor City Sets the Standard with a Shutout

In the series opener, the Dirty Dawgs played the kind of clean, controlled game that wins championships—tight defense, timely offense, and no room for Suffolk to build momentum. The result was a statement 3–0 shutout that immediately put the Sting in must-win territory.

Game 2: Dawgs’ Offense Breaks Through, Trophy Secured

Suffolk pushed back in Game 2, but Motor City responded with another gear. The Dirty Dawgs’ attack opened up, producing six goals while continuing to limit chances at the other end. The 6–2 win completed the sweep and ensured there was no doubt about the tournament’s top team.

Finals MVP: Jake Rhoades

Championship runs have defining players, and for Motor City it was Jake Rhoades. Whether it was driving play, delivering in key moments, or setting the competitive baseline shift after shift, Rhoades’ impact stood out—and the Finals MVP honors reflected it.

A New Banner Raised

For the Suffolk Sting, it’s a tough finish after another Finals weekend. For Motor City, it’s history: two wins, a sweep, and a first-ever PIHA Minor Championship—the Dirty Dawgs have arrived.