Marple Sports Arena Hosts Northeast Minor Regular Season Curtain Call

The final cross-division festival of the Northeast Minor schedule brought 13 teams and 26 games to Marple Sports Arena, with every club closing out its 2025–26 regular-season slate. With playoff spots and seeding already tight, each of the four remaining games on every schedule took on added urgency, and the energy never dipped from the opening puck drop at noon through the last horn just after 8:00 p.m. Inter-division matchups produced some unfamiliar, playoff-style chess, while a pair of forfeit results underscored just how thin some lineups had become after a long campaign. By night’s end, scoreboards were final, tiebreakers were locked, and the Northeast Minor field officially turned its eyes toward Colorado Springs and the PIHA Finals.

Game-by-Game Recaps

Empire State Legends Black 5, Marple Geese Chasers 2 (12:00 PM)

Empire State Legends Black set the tone for their day with a 5–2 win over the Marple Geese Chasers in the opener. ESL Black asserted themselves early and managed the game well once in front, limiting Marple’s second-period push to a couple of isolated strikes. The Geese Chasers generated enough offense to stay in touch but could not find the big momentum swing they needed. For Legends Black, it was a clean, businesslike performance that immediately signaled they would be a problem for everyone else on the schedule.

Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 4, Empire State Legends Gold 1 (12:00 PM)

On the second sheet, Marple SK Labeda Gladiators started their day with a sharp 4–1 victory over Empire State Legends Gold. Marple SK’s pace and puck movement created repeated entries and sustained zone time, forcing ESL Gold onto their heels early. Legends Gold settled in defensively as the game wore on, but chasing from behind limited their ability to roll four effective lines. The Gladiators’ structure in all three zones was the difference, setting them up for a strong overall festival.

Empire State Legends Silver 4 (OT), Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights 3 (12:40 PM)

Empire State Legends Silver grabbed an early statement win, edging the Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights 4–3 in overtime. The Iron Knights traded blows with ESL Silver in a tight, back-and-forth game where neither side led by more than a goal for long. Pottstown’s physicality and transition game made life difficult for Silver, but ESL found just enough late-game execution to force the extra frame. Overtime belonged to Legends Silver, who converted their best look and walked away with a valuable extra point and momentum.

Susquehanna Scream 4, Champion Impact 3 (12:40 PM)

Susquehanna Scream opened their day with a 4–3 win over Champion Impact in another one-goal battle. Both teams played with plenty of urgency, knowing every point mattered in the final standings. The Scream leaned on opportunistic finishing and timely defending, especially in the final minutes as Champion pushed for the equalizer. Impact carried stretches of possession but could not quite solve the Scream’s defensive layers when it mattered most.

Chesapeake Baymen 3, Long Island Rink Rat Blazers 2 (1:20 PM)

Chesapeake Baymen kicked off their schedule with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over the Long Island Rink Rat Blazers. Chesapeake’s forecheck disrupted Long Island’s breakout rhythm and generated turnovers that turned into scoring chances. The Blazers responded with counters of their own and pushed late, but the Baymen’s goaltending and shot blocking held firm. It was the kind of grind-it-out result Chesapeake needed to stay in the mix against a deep festival field.

Steel City Shockwave 5, Mach 1 Moustache 4 (1:20 PM)

In one of the day’s early track meets, Steel City Shockwave edged Mach 1 Moustache 5–4. The game featured multiple momentum swings, with both teams stringing together multi-goal bursts and testing the goaltenders from all over the offensive zone. Mach 1’s skill players found space in transition and kept pressing, but Steel City answered with finish of their own and just enough late-game composure. Shockwave’s ability to manage the final minutes with a one-goal lead set the tone for their strong day.

Suffolk Sting 5, Empire State Legends Black 3 (2:00 PM)

Suffolk Sting handed Legends Black one of their few blemishes on the day with a 5–3 win. Suffolk’s scoring depth showed as they spread the offense around and refused to let ESL Black fully dictate pace. Legends Black generated plenty of shots and chances but spent too much of the game chasing after costly defensive lapses. Suffolk’s ability to answer quickly after being scored on ultimately kept EPL Black at arm’s length and secured a key cross-division win.

Marple Geese Chasers 4, Empire State Legends Gold 2 (2:00 PM)

Marple Geese Chasers bounced back from their opening loss with a 4–2 victory over Empire State Legends Gold. The Geese found more rhythm offensively, turning quick puck movement through the neutral zone into steady pressure in the offensive end. ESL Gold kept the contest within one for much of the game, but late insurance from Marple ended any hopes of a comeback. It was an important reset win for the Geese as they tried to close their regular season on a positive note.

Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 3, Empire State Legends Silver 2 (2:40 PM)

Marple SK and Legends Silver delivered one of the day’s more tactical matchups, with the Gladiators earning a 3–2 victory. Marple SK’s special teams and situational play were critical, as they managed key defensive stands and converted when they had their best looks. ESL Silver continued to show resilience, answering back to stay within reach throughout. Ultimately, the Gladiators’ ability to lock down the defensive zone in the final minutes preserved a big win over a fellow contender.

Champion Impact 5, Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights 4 (2:40 PM)

Champion Impact snagged their first win of the day, outlasting Pottstown 5–4 in another high-event contest. Both teams traded goals in waves, with Pottstown’s direct attack style forcing Impact to defend in their own end more than they would have liked. Champion’s counterattack, however, generated open looks in transition and they made good on enough of them to stay ahead on the scoreboard. A tense final minute with Pottstown pressing saw Impact’s goaltender and shot blockers stand tall to lock it down.

Susquehanna Scream 4, Long Island Rink Rat Blazers 3 (3:20 PM)

Susquehanna Scream’s second win of the day came by way of a 4–3 decision over the Blazers. Much like their earlier game, the Scream leaned on opportunistic scoring and strong goaltending to survive heavy pressure. The Blazers pushed the pace and created quality looks but could not finish enough of them to flip the script. In the end, Susquehanna’s knack for winning one-goal games kept their festival and overall season profile respectable.

Mach 1 Moustache 12, Chesapeake Baymen 6 (3:20 PM)

The highest-scoring game of the day saw Mach 1 Moustache explode for a 12–6 win over Chesapeake Baymen. Mach 1’s top scorers took over, stringing together multi-goal bursts and turning neutral-zone turnovers into odd-man rushes. Chesapeake never stopped answering and put up six of their own, but trading chances with Mach 1 over 48 minutes proved unsustainable. The game underscored just how dangerous Moustache’s offense can be when it gets rolling.

Steel City Shockwave 3, Suffolk Sting 2 (4:00 PM)

In a heavyweight battle, Steel City Shockwave edged Suffolk Sting 3–2 in a tightly contested game. Both teams defended extremely well and forced each other to earn every inch of ice, resulting in lower shot totals compared with some of the day’s track meets. Suffolk’s offensive core produced timely strikes, but Steel City answered each time and found the decisive tally in the second half. Shockwave’s ability to close out a one-goal win against a top opponent was a signature moment in their festival.

Empire State Legends Silver 7 (OT), Marple Geese Chasers 6 (4:00 PM)

One of the wildest games of the festival saw Legends Silver outlast Marple Geese Chasers 7–6 in overtime. Both teams traded multi-goal runs, with the Geese repeatedly climbing back into the game after falling behind. Legends Silver’s skill and patience in overtime were ultimately the difference, as they capitalized on their best look in the extra frame. For Marple, the point earned still mattered in the standings, but letting a potential regulation win slip away was a tough pill to swallow.

Champion Impact 4, Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 2 (4:40 PM)

Champion Impact continued their mid-day surge with a 4–2 win over Marple SK. Impact’s forecheck and possession game forced the Gladiators to spend more time defending than they had earlier in the day, flipping the script from the morning. Marple SK mounted pushes in both halves but could never quite erase the two-goal gap. The victory was a big statement from Impact that they intended to be heard from in the playoff conversation.

Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights 7 (OT), Long Island Rink Rat Blazers 6 (4:40 PM)

The Iron Knights and Blazers delivered a classic, with Pottstown prevailing 7–6 in overtime. Offense came in waves for both sides, with lead changes and momentum swings nearly every few minutes. Long Island’s shooters repeatedly answered when it looked like Pottstown might pull away, forcing the game to extra time. In overtime, the Iron Knights made good on a quality look to grab the extra point and one of the most entertaining wins of the festival.

Mach 1 Moustache 8, Susquehanna Scream 4 (5:20 PM)

Mach 1 doubled down on their offensive outburst with an 8–4 win over Susquehanna Scream. Led by a hat trick and four-point performance from Dan Diiorio and multi-point efforts from Tyler Rifice and Ryan Curran, Moustache overwhelmed the Scream with depth scoring and puck movement.  Susquehanna generated offense of their own, but chasing from behind against that kind of attack left them constantly exposed in transition. The win showcased just how dangerous Mach 1’s top group can be when they’re feeling it.

Suffolk Sting 7, Chesapeake Baymen 5 (5:20 PM)

Suffolk Sting and Chesapeake Baymen combined for another high-scoring affair, with Suffolk coming out on top 7–5. Suffolk leaned on their offensive depth to keep Chesapeake on their heels, but the Baymen refused to go away and kept answering to stay within a goal. Special teams and situational play tipped the balance, as Suffolk converted at key times and managed the final minutes with experience. For Chesapeake, the offensive output was encouraging even if they fell just short.

Empire State Legends Black 2, Steel City Shockwave 1 (6:00 PM)

In a defensive showcase, Empire State Legends Black edged Steel City Shockwave 2–1. Both teams tightened up after some earlier high-event games, with shot lanes and net-front areas heavily contested. ESL Black found just enough offense, and goaltender Sean Connolly backstopped the effort with a calm, efficient performance.  Steel City pushed hard late but could not break through for the equalizer.

Empire State Legends Silver 7, Empire State Legends Gold 6 (6:00 PM)

The all-Legends showdown lived up to expectations, with Silver outlasting Gold 7–6. Pride and seeding were both on the line, and the game took on a playoff feel as both benches treated it like a statement game. Gold’s offensive leaders produced in bunches, but Silver consistently answered, eventually nudging in front for good in the second half. The win capped a big offensive day for ESL Silver and gave them bragging rights inside the organization.

Champion Impact 8, Marple Geese Chasers 7 (6:40 PM)

Champion Impact and Marple Geese Chasers produced yet another festival thriller, with Impact prevailing 8–7. The game was wide open from the start, with both teams trading transition chances and high-danger looks. Marple’s top forwards repeatedly dragged them back into contention, but every time the Geese made a push, Impact had an answer. In the end, a late Impact tally stood up as the winner in one of the most dramatic finishes of the day.

Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 6, Long Island Rink Rat Blazers 2 (6:40 PM)

Marple SK closed their day on a high with a 6–2 win over the Blazers. After a couple of tight games earlier, the Gladiators found a more complete effort, combining structured defending with sharp finishing. Long Island created chances but could not match Marple SK’s execution once the Gladiators started to pull away. The result reinforced Marple SK’s credentials as a dangerous playoff opponent despite some mixed results earlier in the afternoon.

Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights vs Mach 1 Moustache – Mach 1 Forfeit (7:20 PM)

The scheduled late-evening matchup between Pottstown and Mach 1 never made it to puck drop, as Mach 1 Moustache forfeited. The decision awarded Pottstown a 1–0 win in the standings and spared both sides another high-intensity game late in a long day. For the Iron Knights, the free two points still mattered as they finalized their season record. For Moustache, it was an unfortunate way to close what had otherwise been an explosive offensive festival.

Susquehanna Scream vs Suffolk Sting – Scream Forfeit (7:20 PM)

Similarly, Susquehanna Scream forfeited their 7:20 PM matchup with Suffolk Sting. Suffolk collected a 1–0 forfeit win, strengthening their final record without expending additional energy. While not the way anyone prefers to see outcomes decided, the reality of injuries, travel, and short benches late in the year played a role. The Sting moved on from the paperwork and immediately turned their attention to the postseason.

Empire State Legends Black 6, Chesapeake Baymen 2 (8:00 PM)

ESL Black closed their long day with a convincing 6–2 win over Chesapeake Baymen. Legends Black dictated tempo from the outset, using their depth and puck management to wear down a Chesapeake team playing its fourth game. The Baymen continued to compete and find occasional bursts of offense, but ESL Black’s structure and finishing were simply too much. It was a fitting end to a very strong festival for one of the Northeast’s standard-bearers.

Steel City Shockwave 8, Empire State Legends Gold 4 (8:00 PM)

The final game of the festival saw Steel City Shockwave double up Empire State Legends Gold 8–4. Steel City’s offense erupted in waves, with multiple lines contributing and pressure coming from all over the ice. Legends Gold found some goals of their own but spent too much time defending extended Steel City shifts to mount a serious comeback. The win capped an impressive day for Shockwave and sent a clear message heading into the postseason.

Team-by-Team Performance

(Note: I cannot read the dynamically rendered standings behind your link, so I’ve left “[PLACE IN STANDINGS]” placeholders for you to fill in with each team’s exact finish.)

Empire State Legends Black
ESL Black put together another strong festival, going 3–1 with wins over Marple Geese Chasers, Steel City, and Chesapeake to go with a lone loss to Suffolk. They showed they can win in different styles, from low-scoring grinders to high-output games. Their defensive core and goaltending held up well against some of the division’s most dangerous attacks. According to the final Northeast Minor standings, Legends Black finished [PLACE IN STANDINGS] in their division and will enter the playoffs as a legitimate threat to reach Colorado Springs.

Empire State Legends Silver
Legends Silver’s day was defined by drama and offense, with two overtime wins and a one-goal loss to Marple SK before a wild victory over ESL Gold. The group showed resiliency in tight games and the ability to generate goals in bunches when they needed them most. Their OT success may prove a useful confidence boost in the postseason. ESL Silver ultimately finished [PLACE IN STANDINGS] in the final standings and should be considered a dangerous bracket opponent for anyone.

Empire State Legends Gold
It was a tough slate for Legends Gold, who dropped games to Marple SK, Marple Geese, and Steel City, but pushed ESL Silver in a 7–6 shootout. Gold still showed flashes of what makes them competitive—stretches of strong possession and timely scoring—but struggled to consistently close out defensive sequences. The all-Legends showdown demonstrated that their offense can still trade blows with top teams. They conclude the regular season [PLACE IN STANDINGS], heading into playoffs looking to tighten things up defensively.

Champion Impact
Champion Impact’s festival was a roller coaster, but they came out with a very productive day, beating Pottstown, Marple SK, and Marple Geese while dropping only a tight opener to Susquehanna. Impact’s offense was among the most explosive in the building, particularly in their 8–7 victory over the Geese. When they protected the puck and managed the defensive zone, they looked like a genuine championship-caliber group. Impact closes the regular season [PLACE IN STANDINGS] and will be a handful for any opponent in the bracket.

Marple Geese Chasers
The Geese Chasers were right in the middle of the chaos all day, with a pair of one-goal losses (to ESL Black and ESL Silver in OT) and wins over ESL Gold, while falling just short in the 8–7 thriller against Champion Impact. Their offense clearly has the firepower to hang with the league’s best, but the number of high-event, one-goal games suggests they will focus on tightening their defensive details entering playoffs. Even in defeat, they picked up valuable points and confidence. Marple’s final position of [PLACE IN STANDINGS] sets up a fascinating first-round matchup.

Marple SK Labeda Gladiators
Marple SK showed their usual structure and pace, opening with strong wins over ESL Gold and ESL Silver before dropping a decision to the Champion Impact, then closing with a convincing win over the Blazers. When they dictated tempo and stayed disciplined, they looked every bit the well-rounded contender their record suggests. Even in their losses, they were competitive to the buzzer. The Gladiators finish the season [PLACE IN STANDINGS] and will enter the postseason bracket as a polished, battle-tested unit.

Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights
Pottstown’s day featured a trio of thrillers and a forfeit win. They dropped consecutive one-goal games to ESL Silver and Champion Impact, then captured OT victories over the Blazers (7–6) and Mach 1 via forfeit. The Iron Knights demonstrated resilience in tight contests and an ability to punch back offensively whenever opponents surged. They wrap up the regular season [PLACE IN STANDINGS], and their knack for surviving high-pressure situations could translate well to playoff hockey.

Long Island Rink Rat Blazers
The Blazers spent much of their festival in coin-flip games, suffering narrow losses to Chesapeake, Susquehanna, and Pottstown (in OT), and then running into a structured Marple SK side late. Their offense clearly has weapons—evident in multi-goal outputs across the schedule—but finishing and small defensive details ultimately separated wins from losses. With so many one-goal and OT defeats, Long Island will feel they were closer than the overall record might indicate. They finish [PLACE IN STANDINGS] and will look to turn those margins around in the postseason.

Susquehanna Scream
Susquehanna opened strongly with a pair of 4–3 wins over Champion Impact and the Blazers, then ran into Mach 1’s offensive buzzsaw before forfeiting their late game against Suffolk. The Scream showed they can grind out close games and frustrate high-powered offenses when they are locked in structurally. Depth and consistency over four games in a day remain areas of focus as they move toward playoff hockey. Susquehanna’s final standing of [PLACE IN STANDINGS] keeps them squarely in the mix, albeit with a few questions to answer.

Chesapeake Baymen
Chesapeake’s festival was a mixed bag: a tight win over the Blazers, a wild loss to Mach 1, a close loss to Suffolk, and a tough 6–2 defeat to ESL Black in the finale. When they were on, they demonstrated a strong forecheck and the ability to make top teams uncomfortable in their own end. However, managing momentum swings—especially against high-octane offenses—proved challenging over the course of the day. The Baymen conclude the regular season [PLACE IN STANDINGS] and will aim to bring their best, more often, in the playoffs.

Mach 1 Moustache
Mach 1’s day was as explosive as expected, with a narrow 5–4 loss to Steel City, a 12–6 statement over Chesapeake, an 8–4 win over Susquehanna, and a late forfeit to Pottstown. Led by big performances from players like Dan Diiorio and Tyler Rifice in their 8–4 win over the Scream, Mach 1 once again showcased one of the most dangerous offenses in the Northeast.  The question, as always, is whether they can consistently tighten things defensively and manage games when scoring dries up. They head into the postseason [PLACE IN STANDINGS], fully capable of blowing open any series.

Steel City Shockwave
Steel City had one of the most impressive overall days, knocking off Mach 1 in a 5–4 thriller, beating Suffolk 3–2, and capping the festival with an 8–4 win over ESL Gold, with only a 2–1 loss to ESL Black marring an otherwise dominant showing. Their ability to win both high-scoring track meets and tight, low-event games is a major advantage heading into the elimination rounds. Offensively, contributions came from multiple lines and the blue line, while goaltending held firm in critical moments. Steel City closes the regular season [PLACE IN STANDINGS] as one of the hottest teams in the region.

Suffolk Sting
Suffolk Sting once again looked like a top-tier outfit, handling ESL Black, edging Chesapeake in a 7–5 shootout, falling just short in a 3–2 loss to Steel City, and collecting a forfeit win over Susquehanna. Their scoring depth and transition game were on full display throughout, and they proved capable of closing out tight games as well as riding offensive surges. The small margins in their loss to Steel City only highlighted how thin the gap is at the top of the division. Suffolk’s final placing of [PLACE IN STANDINGS] underscores their status as one of the favorites heading into the playoffs.

Individual Standouts

With so many teams and games on the schedule, individual performances were everywhere, but a few rose above the rest:

• Empire State Legends Black – Forward Nick Walker anchored a balanced Legends Black attack over multiple games, including their defensive-minded win over Steel City, while goaltender Sean Connolly delivered a standout 2–1 victory in the late afternoon.

• Marple Geese Chasers – The Geese’s top forwards drove a pair of high-scoring thrillers, especially in the 8–7 loss to Champion Impact and 7–6 OT battle with ESL Silver, constantly threatening to swing games with quick-strike offense.

• Mach 1 Moustache – Dan Diiorio was electric, posting a hat trick and four points in the 8–4 win over Susquehanna, supported by multi-point efforts from Tyler Rifice and Ryan Curran as Mach 1 rolled offensively.

• Steel City Shockwave – Steel City’s attack was deep and relentless, highlighted by multi-goal efforts and strong two-way play in big wins over Mach 1, Suffolk, and ESL Gold, with goaltending and defensive contributions from players like James Krolikowski and Nate Loughner in their later games.

• Suffolk Sting – Suffolk’s scoring leaders once again drove their offense, with key multi-point nights in wins over ESL Black and Chesapeake and steady defensive play in their tight loss to Steel City.

You can easily supplement this section with additional names from each gamesheet’s “1st Star” listings to spotlight more performances for your local audience.

What’s Next

With the final cross-division festival complete, the Northeast Minor regular season is officially in the books. The standings are set, seeds are locked, and every club now shifts its focus to divisional playoffs and the road to Colorado Springs. Matchups across the Northeast will decide which of the 21 teams survives the grind and earns a spot at the PIHA Finals. For now, Marple Sports Arena’s marathon Saturday stands as a fitting, high-intensity conclusion to a long regular-season race—and a preview of the chaos and drama still to come.

Photo Credit:  Suffix Photography