Pikes Peak Thunder Sweep Golden Fire, Advance to Rocky Mountain East Division Final

📅 Date: March 8, 2025
📍 Venue: Pepsi Roller Sports Arena
🔢 Final Score (Game 1): Pikes Peak Thunder 6, Golden Fire 0
🔢 Final Score (Game 2): Pikes Peak Thunder 6, Golden Fire 3

Series Recap

The Pikes Peak Thunder put on a dominant performance in their Rocky Mountain East Division Semi-Finals sweep over the Golden Fire, outscoring their opponent 12-3 across both games.

Game 1 was all Thunder from the start, as Tyler Harkins and Johnny Tapia led the way in a 6-0 shutout victory. Goaltender Chris Bradford was perfect in net, stopping all 12 shots he faced.

In Game 2, the Fire came out more aggressive, scoring twice in the opening period. However, the Thunder’s relentless offensive attack, led once again by Harkins and Tapia, was too much to handle. A four-goal first period proved to be the difference, securing the 6-3 win and series sweep.

With the victory, Pikes Peak moves on to the Division Final, where they will face the winner of Mile High Mavin Tugboats vs. Manitou Vikings.

Game 1 Highlights (Pikes Peak 6, Golden Fire 0)

1st Period:

✅ 10:42 – Pikes Peak Goal (1-0): Tyler Harkins opens the scoring with an even-strength goal.
✅ 06:40 – Pikes Peak Goal (2-0): Matt Parra doubles the lead off a setup from Harkins and Johnny Tapia.
✅ 01:03 – Pikes Peak Goal (3-0): Harkins buries his second of the game, putting the Thunder in full control.

🔥 Thunder Dominate: Pikes Peak outshoots the Fire 19-12, applying constant offensive pressure.

2nd Period:

✅ 09:45 – Pikes Peak Goal (4-0): Tapia adds another, finishing off a great feed from Harkins.
✅ 08:09 – Pikes Peak Goal (5-0): Harkins completes his hat trick, sealing the Fire’s fate.
✅ 00:43 – Pikes Peak Goal (6-0): Tapia strikes again in the final minute.

🔥 Defensive Shutout: The Thunder completely shut down the Fire, holding them to just 12 total shots.

🛑 Goaltending Battle:
🏆 Chris Bradford (Pikes Peak):12-save shutout
💪 James Risenhoover (Golden Fire): 16 saves on 22 shots

📌 Final Shots on Goal: Pikes Peak 22 – Golden Fire 12

Game 2 Highlights (Pikes Peak 6, Golden Fire 3)

1st Period:

✅ 10:38 – Pikes Peak Goal (1-0): Zach Tomek gets the Thunder on the board early.
✅ 07:22 – Pikes Peak Goal (2-0): Tomek strikes again, assisted by Dan Delarosa.
✅ 06:40 – Golden Fire Goal (2-1): Jake Ackerman scores to cut the lead in half.
✅ 05:28 – Pikes Peak Goal (3-1): Julian Salway restores the two-goal lead.
✅ 03:17 – Pikes Peak Goal (4-1): Harkins adds another to keep the Thunder rolling.
✅ 06:06 – Golden Fire Goal (4-2): Michael Shover keeps the Fire in it with a strong solo effort.

🔥 Offensive Explosion: The teams combine for six goals in the opening period, with Pikes Peak holding the edge at 4-2.

2nd Period:

✅ 05:19 – Pikes Peak Goal (5-2): Tapia continues his dominant series, burying another.
✅ 04:34 – Golden Fire Goal (5-3): Branden Nydam gives the Fire some life.
✅ 00:03 – Pikes Peak Goal (6-3): Tapia puts the game away in the final seconds.

🔥 Thunder Close Strong: Despite a more competitive game from the Fire, Pikes Peak’s firepower proved too much, finishing the series sweep.

🛑 Goaltending Battle:
🏆 Chris Bradford (Pikes Peak): 12 saves on 15 shots
💪 James Risenhoover (Golden Fire): 20 saves on 26 shots

📌 Final Shots on Goal: Pikes Peak 26 – Golden Fire 15

Series Takeaways:

🔥 Harkins and Tapia Lead the Charge: The duo combined for seven goals in the two-game sweep.
💪 Defensive Shutout in Game 1: The Thunder allowed only 12 total shots, shutting down the Fire completely.
🔄 Golden Fire Fought Back in Game 2: They kept things competitive but couldn’t contain the Thunder’s offense.

🏆 What’s Next?

With the series win, Pikes Peak Thunder moves on to the Rocky Mountain East Division Final, where they will face the winner of Mile High Mavin Tugboats vs. Manitou Vikings.

📅 Next Game:March 9, 2025 – Rocky Mountain East Division Final

Can Pikes Peak keep their dominant run going, or will their next opponent present a tougher challenge? Stay tuned! 🔥🏒