Hooligans Rally Past Kaos in Three, Advance to Sunshine Final Despite Protest

The PIHA Minor Sunshine Division Semi-Finals turned into a true best-of-three battle at Fort Myers Skatium, as the #2 Unify Hooligans rebounded from a Game 1 shutout to win the next two and eliminate the #3 Labeda Naples Kaos, taking the series 2–1.

The series was played under protest by Unify due to concerns that Naples used an ineligible player. Ultimately, the protest proved unnecessary on the scoreboard, as the Hooligans earned the series win outright and moved on to the division championship round.

Game 1: Kaos 4, Hooligans 0

Naples set the tone immediately, getting two first-period goals and never letting Unify find the net. Jalen Erickson (#90) and #24 (listed as “Spare”) each scored twice, with Grey Russo stopping all 13 shots he faced to post the shutout.

Game 2: Hooligans 4, Kaos 2

Unify answered in a big way, flipping the script with a 3–1 first period and holding off a late push to even the series. Mike Costa (#44) scored twice, while Ryan Schmitt (#16) and Brandon Oland (#17) added goals as the Hooligans outlasted a Kaos team that generated more shots (17–13) but couldn’t get the key saves.

Game 3: Hooligans 6, Kaos 2

With the season on the line, Unify delivered its most complete effort of the series—three goals in each period to close the door. Ricky Carden (#96) and Mike Costa (#44) each scored twice, with Schmitt (#16) and Joey LaRocco (#3) chipping in as the Hooligans finished the clincher with a 17–16 edge in shots and strong goaltending behind them.

Up Next: Sunshine Division Final vs Gainesville

With the comeback complete, Unify advances to face the #1 Gainesville Crocodiles in the best-of-three Sunshine Division Final on Sunday, with a trip to the PIHA Finals on the line.