Playoff Series Preview: A. Fire vs FR Thunder

The Rocky Mountain South Division Semifinals feature a highly competitive battle between the 2nd-seeded Arvada Fire and the 3rd-seeded Front Range Thunder. This best-of-three series kicks off on March 7, with the winner advancing to the Rocky Mountain South Division Final on March 9 to face the winner of Arizona Yotes vs. Aurora Royals.

This matchup is expected to be one of the most tightly contested first-round series, as both teams split the regular-season series 2-2, with each side claiming two one-goal victories. The Fire are looking for their third consecutive trip to the Finals, while the Thunder aim to return for the first time in three years.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

🔹 Season series split 2-2
🔹 Every game was decided by two goals or less
🔹 Both teams have shown they can beat each other in close contests

With evenly matched teams, this series could go the full three games and come down to the wire.

Arvada Fire (2nd Seed) – Experience & Defensive Discipline

The Fire have established themselves as a consistent contender, making back-to-back trips to the Finals. This year, they will look to extend that streak with a well-balanced lineup featuring strong defensive play and timely scoring.

Key Players

🔥 Cody Whitmore (#21, F) – The team’s leading scorer, Whitmore posted 23 points (12G, 11A) in 20 games, averaging 1.2 points per game.

🔥 Dylan Fridlund (#9, F) – A strong secondary scoring option, Fridlund added 20 points (12G, 8A) in 20 games.

🔥 Evan Rangel (#10, D) – One of the most offensively productive defensemen in the league, Rangel chipped in 17 points (11G, 6A) in just 16 games.

Goaltending Stability

The Fire have a solid goaltending duo, but they will need to be at their best against a high-scoring Thunder offense.

• Trevor Roffe (#35, G) – 5-0 record, 2.28 GAA, .803 SV%
• Mike Davis (#30, G) – 6-6 record, 3.53 GAA, .785 SV%

With Roffe being undefeated this season, he is likely to get the starting nod for the Fire in Game 1.

Front Range Thunder (3rd Seed) – Speed & High-Octane Offense

The Thunder thrive on offense, ranking among the top-scoring teams in the division. Their ability to generate offense quickly and apply pressure in transition makes them a dangerous opponent.

Key Players

⚡ Mitchell Minder (#10, F) – The team’s offensive catalyst, Minder racked up 34 points (15G, 19A) in 18 games, averaging 1.9 points per game.

⚡ Derek Pellett (#15, F) – Another elite goal-scorer, Pellett led the team with 19 goals, finishing with 29 points (19G, 10A) in 18 games.

⚡ Dawson Minder (#11, F) – A versatile forward, Dawson Minder added 26 points (16G, 10A) in 20 games, giving the Thunder a three-headed scoring machine.

Goaltending Consistency

The Thunder have relied on Chris Mollica (#31, G) as their primary starter.

• Chris Mollica (#31, G) – 8-5 record, 3.19 GAA, .810 SV%

Mollica has been steady but not dominant, meaning the Thunder will likely need to outscore Arvada to win.

Series Breakdown & X-Factors

Keys to Victory – Arvada Fire

✅ Limit the Thunder’s top scorers – If Arvada can shut down the Minder brothers and Pellett, they can control the pace of play and force the Thunder into uncomfortable situations.

✅ Rely on experience – Having made back-to-back Finals appearances, the Fire must use their playoff experience to stay composed in tight situations.

✅ Strong goaltending – If Trevor Roffe continues his unbeaten season, the Fire will have a significant advantage in net.

Keys to Victory – Front Range Thunder

⚡ Turn this into a shootout – The Thunder play their best hockey when they force high-scoring games. If they can overwhelm Arvada’s defense with their offensive pressure, they will have a great chance to win.

⚡ Mollica needs to be steady – With Arvada capable of capitalizing on mistakes, Mollica needs to keep the Thunder in games and avoid soft goals.

⚡ Special teams battle – The Thunder must stay out of the penalty box and take advantage of any power-play opportunities they get.

Prediction: Series Goes to 3 Games

This series is as even as it gets. Both teams split the regular-season series, and all four games were tightly contested. Arvada has the playoff experience and defensive structure, while Front Range has the offensive firepower to keep things interesting.

Expect this series to go to a decisive Game 3, with the winner likely coming down to goaltending and execution in key moments.