PIHA MINOR CROSS-DIVISION FESTIVAL DELIVERS NONSTOP ACTION AT MARPLE SPORTS ARENA

The PIHA Minor League hosted its one and only Mid-Atlantic vs. Keystone cross-division festival of the season on Saturday at Marple Sports Arena — and the building never stopped buzzing.
With 28 games, 14 teams, and a packed house on both rinks, the day showcased everything the Minor level is known for: speed, scoring depth, emotional swings, standout goaltending, and a healthy dose of cross-division pride.

Each team battled through four games, setting the stage for major shifts in both division standings as the league approaches the midway point.
Below is a full game-by-game recap, individual team breakdowns, festival standouts, division outlooks, and what comes next.

12:00 PM — Jagaloons 8, Wolfpack 1

New Jersey opened the festival with an offensive explosion, overwhelming the Wolfpack with a relentless puck-possession game. Frank Stuto played conductor, racking up goals and primary touches as the Jagaloons built a 2–0 lead and never looked back. The Wolfpack struggled to settle in defensively, managing just one late marker. Jagaloons goaltender Myles Weeks shut down multiple odd-man rushes to preserve control.

12:00 PM — Geese Chasers 3, ISCA Grizzlies 2

A heavyweight Mid-Atlantic/Kestone battle opened the Blue Rink slate, with the Geese Chasers overcoming an early 2–0 Grizzlies lead. Andrew Rutherford and Matt Tofte struck early for ISCA, but Marple answered with three straight in the second behind Joey Vogt and Luke Viola. The Chasers’ puck management tightened in the second half, and Matt Lemma shut the door down the stretch. A late Grizzlies push fell inches short of forcing overtime.

12:40 PM — Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 1, ISCA Icee Boyz 0

A pure goaltending duel defined this matchup, with Millard Worszylo and James Antonacci trading highlight stops. The Icee Boyz held firm in a tight-checking first period, but the Gladiators finally broke through early in the second on a John Bright finish. Both teams tightened defensively, producing one of the cleanest games of the day with no penalties. The Gladiators held on through a frantic final minute to secure the shutout win.

12:40 PM — Morristown Revolt Roosters 5 (OT), Pottstown Iron Knights 4

The first overtime thriller of the festival belonged to Morristown, who erased a two-goal deficit to force extra time. The Iron Knights controlled long portions of the first period, but a relentless Roosters push in the second tied the game. Morristown sealed it in OT when Josh Firkser buried the winner 29 seconds in. Both teams showcased scoring depth, setting the tone for what would be one of the closest matchups of the day.

1:20 PM — Susquehanna Scream 7, Mach 1 Rinkster Empire 4

Susquehanna’s transition game proved too much for Mach 1, as the Scream converted off the rush repeatedly. Brian Yingling and Erik Balthaser powered a five-goal second frame that broke open what had been a one-goal contest. Mach 1 pushed back late with two goals, but the deficit was too large to overcome. Susquehanna’s puck-movement clinic established them early as one of the festival’s top Keystone performers.

1:20 PM — Champion Trash Pandas 7, Chesapeake Baymen 5

The Baymen jumped to an early lead, but the Trash Pandas’ offense ignited with a four-goal second period surge. Jason Klar and Greg Bernhardt were at the center of the comeback, turning defensive stops into transition scoring chances. Chesapeake refused to go away, scoring twice in the final minutes. Ultimately, the Pandas’ heavy forecheck wore down the Baymen defense to seal a high-tempo win.

2:00 PM — Steel City Shockwave 11, Champion Purple Pandas 2

The Shockwave delivered one of the day’s most dominant performances, scoring four times in the opening period and never loosening their grip. Nate Loughner and Kyle Rosendale each recorded multi-goal efforts as Steel City showcased their fast-paced attack. The Purple Pandas found two late goals but struggled to contain Steel City’s cycling game. This was the first sign of the Shockwave’s massive afternoon.

2:00 PM — ISCA Grizzlies 5, ISCA Icee Boyz 2

Intra-club pride was on the line in this all-ISCA matchup. The Grizzlies stormed ahead with a four-goal first period while tightening defensively to smother dangerous entry attempts. Icee Boyz countered with a strong second period, but Jim McGrath’s steady two-way presence prevented any comeback threat. The Grizzlies earned an important bounce-back win after dropping their opener.

2:40 PM — Marple Geese Chasers 6, Morristown Revolt Roosters 4

The Roosters continued their offensive momentum early, but the Geese Chasers adjusted defensively and countered with a four-goal second period surge. Luke Viola and Jeff Horner led the charge as Marple’s forecheck forced repeated turnovers. Morristown pushed late, but Marple’s defensive structure held firm. It was one of the day’s most entertaining back-and-forth affairs.

2:40 PM — Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 6, Mach 1 Rinkster Empire 0

The Gladiators’ most complete performance of the day saw six different goal-scorers find the back of the net. Rocco Colucci and Michael Quaile drove the transition game, while Tommy Molloy posted a flawless relief appearance in net. Mach 1 created early chances but struggled to contain Marple’s puck movement. With suffocating defensive play, the Gladiators recorded their second shutout of the festival.

3:20 PM — Champion Trash Pandas 3, Pottstown Iron Knights 2 (OT)

In one of the tightest games of the day, both teams traded goals late in the second period before heading into overtime tied 2–2. Pottstown pushed the Pandas deep into their zone throughout OT, but Jason Klar found a moment of space and buried the winner. The Iron Knights controlled long stretches but couldn’t solve Tyler Squitieri in the closing minutes. The Pandas improved to 2–0 with their second clutch finish of the festival.

3:20 PM — Susquehanna Scream 8, Champion Purple Pandas 2

The Scream overwhelmed the Purple Pandas early with a relentless forecheck and precision finishing. Mike Shartle and Erik Balthaser orchestrated a dominant first period to build a 3–0 cushion. Despite a push from the Purple Pandas in the second period, Susquehanna’s counterattacks repeatedly found the back of the net. The Scream’s offense looked unstoppable in one of their most decisive wins of the season.

4:00 PM — New Jersey Jagaloons 7, Chesapeake Baymen 1

The Jagaloons delivered another commanding performance, controlling the pace from the opening whistle. Christian Hoppeler starred with a multipoint performance, and NJ’s special teams converted in crucial moments. The Baymen worked hard to generate offense but were held to the perimeter by a disciplined Jagaloons defense. NJ improved to 2–0 with another polished outing.

4:00 PM — Steel City Shockwave 7, Unify NJ Wolfpack 4

In a high-tempo matchup, the Shockwave’s deep forward group proved too much despite a late Wolfpack surge. Nate Loughner and Kyle Rosendale again drove the offense with speed and clean exits from their own zone. The Wolfpack rallied with three second-period goals to pull within one, but Rosendale’s insurance marker sealed it. Steel City extended their perfect day to 2–0.

4:40 PM — Mach 1 Rinkster Empire 8, Morristown Revolt Roosters 5

Mach 1 rebounded from a tough morning with their most complete game of the festival. Chris Wynne and Matt Armbruster sparked a multi-goal run that swung momentum after an even first half. Morristown kept pace early but ran out of answers in transition. Mach 1’s forechecking intensity carried them across the finish line.

4:40 PM — Marple Geese Chasers 4, Champion Trash Pandas 2

In a battle between two early-day hot teams, Marple’s defensive structure shut down the Pandas’ transition game. Kyle Grizzard and Luke Viola provided key second-period goals that held up behind strong goaltending by Matt Lemma. The Pandas pushed late, but multiple shot blocks preserved the Chasers’ perfect record on the day. It was one of Marple’s most complete efforts of the season.

5:20 PM — Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 11, Champion Purple Pandas 2

The Gladiators exploded offensively, scoring seven first-period goals in a statement performance. Cameron Tkacz and Don Susini dissected coverages with rapid puck movement, and depth scoring was present on every shift. The Purple Pandas broke through twice late but simply couldn’t match Marple’s pace. With the win, the Gladiators improved to 3–0 in emphatic fashion.

5:20 PM — New Jersey Jagaloons 7, Pottstown Iron Knights 4

The Jagaloons continued their offensive roll as Dennis Mazza and Frank Stuto controlled the neutral zone pace. Pottstown stayed within striking distance into the late minutes, but a pair of NJ goals inside the final five minutes put the game out of reach. The Iron Knights produced strong individual efforts but couldn’t contain the Jagaloons’ speed in transition. NJ moved to a perfect 3–0.

6:00 PM — Susquehanna Scream 6, Unify New Jersey Wolfpack 3

The Scream’s combination of structured defense and transition scoring again proved decisive. Matt Miller and Brian Yingling capitalized on defensive breakdowns to build a second-period lead the Wolfpack couldn’t overcome. Unify showed life with three goals in the frame, but Susquehanna countered with timely responses each time. The win kept the Scream among the day’s top Keystone performers.

6:00 PM — ISCA Grizzlies 8, Chesapeake Baymen 0

The Grizzlies posted one of the most lopsided wins of the day, dominating puck possession from the opening draw. Bret Shaffer was everywhere offensively, and Bart Cambria posted a flawless shutout effort. Chesapeake generated a handful of high-quality looks but couldn’t crack ISCA’s tight defensive coverage. The Grizzlies closed their day with a strong 3–1 finish.

6:40 PM — ISCA Icee Boyz 5, Steel City Shockwave 4

In one of the festival’s biggest upsets, the Icee Boyz handed Steel City their only loss of the day. Anthony Bellman and Aren Bekarian produced a pair of huge momentum-swinging goals early. Steel City surged back in the second period but were denied repeatedly by James Antonacci’s clutch saves. ISCA held strong through the final minute to seal the marquee Keystone win.

6:40 PM — Champion Purple Pandas 3, Champion Trash Pandas 1

The Purple Pandas delivered a major bounce-back effort, scoring three unanswered in the second to take down their organizational counterparts. Dom Pearsall and Cody Smith steered the offense with strong forechecking play. The Trash Pandas couldn’t find the equalizer despite sustained pressure late. It was a much-needed statement performance for the Purple Pandas.

7:20 PM — Marple Geese Chasers 3, New Jersey Jagaloons 2

In a clash between two undefeated teams, the Chasers edged out NJ in one of the most intense games of the evening. Marple built a 2–0 lead, but the Jagaloons stormed back with two quick goals early in the second. With tensions rising, Luke Viola netted the late winner off a rebound scramble. The Chasers closed out the game with disciplined defensive zone play to finish the day 4–0.

7:20 PM — Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 5, Unify New Jersey Wolfpack 3

The Gladiators finished their day strong, controlling most of the possession and burying chances off the cycle. Jack Phelan and Rocco Colucci combined for multiple standout shifts, repeatedly tilting the ice. The Wolfpack battled to stay within one late but couldn’t break through the Gladiators’ collapsing structure. Marple closed the day with an impressive 4–0 sweep.

8:00 PM — ISCA Grizzlies 6, Pottstown Iron Knights 4

The Grizzlies’ depth scoring shined once again as they built a multi-goal lead that survived a late Iron Knights charge. Matt Tofte and Jim McGrath set the tone early with transition finishes. Pottstown clawed back with two goals in the final minutes but ran out of time. With this win, the Grizzlies secured a 3–1 festival record.

8:00 PM — Susquehanna Scream 4, ISCA Icee Boyz 2

Susquehanna continued their dominant day with another high-energy performance driven by Erik Balthaser and Mike Shartle. The Icee Boyz hung tight through the first period but couldn’t match the Scream’s second-period execution. Ian Meiskey added a key goal to secure breathing room. The Scream closed the day at 4–0, becoming one of the festival’s standout teams.

8:40 PM — Morristown Revolt Roosters 6, Chesapeake Baymen 3

Morristown finished the day with their strongest showing, fueled by a dominant second period. Johnny Hoppeler and Josh Firkser were catalysts, attacking with speed through the middle of the floor. Chesapeake pushed to keep it close but couldn’t contain the Roosters’ neutral-zone speed. Morristown finished the night 2–2.

8:40 PM — Steel City Shockwave 9, Mach 1 Rinkster Empire 2

Steel City closed their day in emphatic fashion, rebounding from their earlier upset loss with a nine-goal outburst. Nathan Planey and Kyle Rosendale tore through coverages with speed and precision, putting Mach 1 on their heels immediately. Mach 1 found two goals on the rush but struggled defensively against Steel City’s pace. Shockwave wrapped up the day 3–1.

TEAM-BY-TEAM RECORDS (4 GAMES EACH)

Mid-Atlantic Division Teams

• New Jersey Jagaloons:3–1–0

• Champion Trash Pandas:3–1–0

• ISCA Grizzlies: 4–0–0

• Unify NJ Wolfpack:0–4–0

• ISCA Icee Boyz:1–3–0

• Morristown Revolt Roosters:2–2–0

• Mach 1 Rinkster Empire:1–3–0

• Chesapeake Baymen:0–4–0

Keystone Division Teams

• Marple SK Labeda Gladiators:4–0–0

• Marple Geese Chasers:4–0–0

• Steel City Shockwave:3–1–0

• Susquehanna Scream:4–0–0

• Pottstown Iron Knights:0–4–0

• Champion Purple Pandas:1–3–0

STARS & STORYLINES OF THE FESTIVAL

Top Teams

• Marple Geese Chasers (4–0) — Most complete team performance of the day.

• Marple SK Labeda Gladiators (4–0) — Best defensive showing with two shutouts.

• Susquehanna Scream (4–0) — Fastest transition game in the building.

• ISCA Grizzlies (4-0) — Statement weekend, they are a force in Mid-Atlantic.

• Steel City Shockwave (3–1) — Dominant scoring depth despite one upset loss.

• New Jersey Jagaloons (3–1) — Elite offensive chemistry throughout the day.

Standout Players

• Luke Viola (GEES) — Game-winning goals, dominant puck control.

• Kyle Rosendale (STEEL) — Multiple multi-point games, relentless pace.

• Brian Yingling & Erik Balthaser (SCREAM) — Keystone’s most dangerous duo.

• Jack Phelan (GLADS) — Power-play machine with elite finish.

• Frank Stuto (JAGS) — Festival-leading impact forward.

• Bret Shaffer & Jim McGrath (GRIZZ) — Two-way anchors and tone-setters.

• Johnny Hoppeler & Josh Firkser (ROOSTERS) — Drove Morristown’s offense.

• Dom Pearsall & Cody Smith (Purple Pandas) — Major bounce-back performance in the evening.

DIVISION OUTLOOKS

Mid-Atlantic Division 

The Mid-Atlantic playoff race tightened considerably after the cross-division festival, with several teams improving their position and others slipping further behind the line.

• The New Jersey Jagaloons and Champion Trash Pandas both strengthened their hold on the top half of the standings with solid 3–1 performances, creating a clear early-season separation.  The , ISCA Grizzlies ran the table at 4-0 and inched closer to the leaders, while creating separation from the bottom.

• The Morristown Revolt Roosters remain firmly in the playoff hunt at mid-table with a 2–2 day, showing they can compete with both divisions when their transition game is clicking.

• The Unify NJ Wolfpack, Champion Purple Pandas, Mach 1 Rinkster Empire, and ISCA Icee Boyz continue jockeying for the final postseason spots, each showing flashes of competitiveness but needing greater consistency to climb into the top six.

With eight teams fighting for only six playoff positions, the Mid-Atlantic is shaping up to be one of the most crowded and unpredictable playoff races in the Minor division — and the December 13th in-division event at ISCA could be pivotal for several bubble teams.

Keystone Division Outlook 

The Keystone Division displayed exceptional depth at Marple, and the standings are now tighter than ever.

• The Marple Geese Chasers, Marple SK Labeda Gladiators, Steel City Shockwave, and Susquehanna Scream all posted winning records, with four Keystone teams finishing the day at 3–1 or better — an impressive showing against a strong Mid-Atlantic field.

• With only four playoff berths available, the margin for error is razor-thin. The top four are currently tracking as the strongest collective group in the Minor League, with all four showing playoff-caliber structure and scoring depth.

• The Pottstown Iron Knights and Chesapeake Baymen both endured winless days and now face steep climbs back into contention, needing major point swings in December to stay alive in the postseason race.

The Keystone gauntlet resumes December 13th at Yellow Breeches Sports Centre, where early-season separation could become permanent — or the race could tighten even further.

WHAT’S NEXT

Both divisions shift back to in-division festivals on Saturday, December 13th:

• Keystone Division heads to Yellow Breeches Sports Centre in New Stanton, PA

• Mid-Atlantic Division competes at Inline Skating Club of America (ISCA) in New Jersey

With playoff races tightening and mid-season form taking shape, December’s events promise even more high-intensity matchups and season-defining moments.