PIHA Minor Semifinals Recap: Empire Black and Mach 1 Set Up All-New York Final

The stage is officially set for the 2025 PIHA Minor Division Championship Series—and it’s an all-Empire State showdown. On Saturday evening, Empire State Legends Black and Mach 1 Moustache each powered through tough semifinal matchups to punch their tickets to the title round. The two Long Island-based teams will now meet in a best-of-three series starting Saturday night at 6:15 p.m.

Here’s how the semifinals unfolded:

Semifinal 1: (1) Empire State Legends Black 6, (4) Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 2

The top-seeded Legends Black looked every bit the championship favorite in the first semifinal, combining special teams dominance with a relentless first-period attack to down Marple 6–2.

Empire struck early and often, tallying five goals in the first half, including two on the power play. Matt Russo got things started with a blast from the point on the man advantage, and the floodgates opened from there. Ryan Murray, Bryan Whelan, Bailey Sparacio, and Whelan again all hit the scoresheet before the break, pushing the lead to 5–1 at halftime.

The second period was more controlled, but Steve Sharkey added one more on a power play rip, while Sean Connolly and the defense shut the door on Marple’s comeback hopes. Gladiators star Don Susini added a goal and an assist in a solid effort, but Marple couldn’t match Empire's depth and pace.

With the win, Empire Black stays undefeated and earns their spot in the final.

Semifinal 2: (3) Mach 1 Moustache 3, (2) Apex Title Wave Mops 2

The second semifinal delivered a thriller, as the Mach 1 Moustache pulled off a hard-fought upset over the Apex Title Wave Mops, 3–2, to advance to the championship series.

Mach 1 jumped out early with a dominant first period. Tyler Rifice opened the scoring on a power play, and Rory Sheppard added another on a slick setup from Greg Cartwright and Ryan Curran. Chris Ferrara added what would be the game-winner early in the second period, giving Mach 1 a 3–0 lead.

Apex didn’t go away quietly. Gino Lamanna and Connor McCabe led the comeback push, scoring two unanswered goals and peppering the Moustache net in the final minutes. But goaltender Brandon Morgenstern stood tall, making 18 saves to preserve the win.

Despite outshooting Mach 1 20–15, the Mops couldn’t find the equalizer, and their tournament came to a close in heartbreaking fashion.

Championship Final Set: Empire Black vs Mach 1

The best-of-three championship series begins Saturday night at 6:15 p.m. and will feature two red-hot teams from Long Island—Empire State Legends Black and Mach 1 Moustache—battling for the Minor Division crown.

Empire has looked nearly untouchable all weekend, but Mach 1 has proved to be a resilient, opportunistic squad capable of knocking off anyone. With local bragging rights and a national title on the line, this all-New York final is shaping up to be a classic.