PIHA Pro Finals Game 3 Recap: Kaos Edge Sting, Take 2–1 Series Lead

PIHA Pro Finals Game 3 Recap: Kaos Edge Sting 2–1, Take 2–1 Series Lead

The Naples Labeda Kaos took a major step toward the PIHA Pro Championship on Saturday night, holding off the Suffolk Sting for a tight 2–1 victory in Game 3 of the best-of-seven Finals. With the win, the Kaos now hold a 2–1 series lead, heading into a crucial doubleheader on Sunday that could determine the fate of the championship.

First Period: Quick Strikes Both Ways

Both teams wasted little time lighting the lamp in the opening period. The Kaos struck first, with Tyler Kraft converting at 9:35 remaining, off a setup from Charles Vaughan at even strength. The captain’s tally gave Naples a 1–0 edge and injected energy into the building.

But the Sting responded just under seven minutes later. With 2:59 left in the first, PJ DiMartino capitalized on the power play, finishing a smooth puck rotation from Max Halvorsen and Ted Matos to tie the game 1–1. It was a critical conversion on Suffolk’s lone man advantage, earned after a too many men penalty assessed to Kaos defender Lukas Bergel.

Despite being outshot 5–5 in the frame, both teams looked sharp and defensively disciplined as they entered the intermission deadlocked.

Second Period: VAUGHN Comes Up Big

Charles Vaughn broke his frame early in the second period and needed to make a mid game skate change in order to continue to compete,  The game-winner came late in the second half, as the Kaos broke through with just 58 seconds left in regulation. Naturally it was Charles Vaughn joining the rush and buried a cross-slot feed from Derek Schultz, with Kyle Novak picking up the secondary assist. That made it 2–1 Naples and shifted the pressure squarely onto the Sting.

From that point on, the Kaos focused on possession and defensive containment, managing the clock while Patrick Pugliese stood strong between the pipes. Pugliese stopped 17 of 18 shots, including several high-danger chances late in regulation as Suffolk surged for an equalizer.

Goaltending Duel and Defensive Discipline

Both goaltenders put on a show in a tight, low-scoring affair. Pugliese earned the win with a composed 17-save performance, while Suffolk’s Perepezko turned aside 12 of 14 shots to give his team a chance.

Penalties were minimal, with the Kaos the only team shorthanded during the game. Suffolk’s power play made the most of that opportunity but couldn’t solve Naples again the rest of the way.

What’s Next: Championship Stakes Rise

With the Kaos now leading the series 2–1, they’re just two wins away from hoisting the PIHA Pro Cup. But the schedule ramps up quickly, with Games 4 just minutes later and Games 5-7 on Sunday morning —a true test of depth and resilience for both rosters.

Suffolk will need to rediscover the offensive spark they showed in Game 2, while Naples will look to ride their defensive structure and goaltending into the winner’s circle.

Puck drops for Game 4 at 8:30 p.m. Saturday with Game 5 set to begin Sunday at 12:05. The Finals are heating up—and every shift counts.