Playoff Series Preview: Blizzard vs BF Thunder

by Anthony Flynn

The Rocky Mountain North Division Semifinals kick off on March 7, as the top-seeded Mile High Blizzard face off against the fourth-seeded Black Forest Thunder in a best-of-three series. The winner will advance to the Rocky Mountain North Division Final on March 9 to play either the Littleton Fire or Des Moines Leaf Ray 7.

This series features a heavy favorite in the Blizzard, who dominated the regular season, against a Thunder squad looking to pull off a massive upset.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

The Mile High Blizzard controlled the season series, winning all four matchups against Black Forest Thunder.

  • Jan 11:Blizzard 7, Thunder 2
  • Jan 11:Blizzard 7, Thunder 3
  • Dec 6:Blizzard 5, Thunder 1
  • Dec 6:Blizzard 5, Thunder 3

In all four games, Mile High’s offense overwhelmed Black Forest’s defense, averaging 6 goals per game, while their defense kept the Thunder under 3 goals in each contest.

Mile High Blizzard (1st Seed) – The Favorites

The Blizzard have been a powerhouse all season, finishing first in the division with ease. They are looking to return to the PIHA Finals and defend their place among the league’s elite teams.

Key Players

  • Shaun Linger (#88, D) – One of the top scorers in the league, Linger put up 19 goals and 16 assists (35 points in 18 games), averaging 1.9 points per game. His ability to control the game from the back end makes him a nightmare matchup for the Thunder.
  • Austin Resseguie (#26, F) – The Blizzard’s playmaking forward, Resseguie had 22 points (9G, 13A) in 16 games and will be essential in setting up scoring chances.
  • Collin Fitzgerald (#81, F) – A pure goal-scorer, Fitzgerald finished with 14 goals in 18 games and has the potential to break open games early.

Goaltending

  • Ryan Wass-Tursick (#36) – Blizzard’s top goaltender, he finished the regular season with a stellar 9-2 record, 2.23 GAA, and .861 save percentage. He’s been a brick wall all season.
  • Shawn Bulduck (#32) – A solid backup, Bulduck played five games (4-1 record) with a 2.69 GAA and .849 SV%.

With an elite offense, strong goaltending, and playoff experience, the Blizzard are heavy favorites to move on.

Black Forest Thunder (4th Seed) – The Underdogs

The Thunder struggled throughout the season, finishing last in the division and sneaking into the playoffs. They will need a near-perfect series to pull off a massive upset against Mile High.

Key Players

  • Brandon Williams (#96, F) – The Thunder’s top offensive weapon, Williams posted 20 points (14G, 6A) in 18 games. If the Thunder are going to have any shot, he needs to deliver big performances.
  • Riley O’Neil (#3, D) – A key playmaker from the blue line, O’Neil had 12 points in 16 games and will be relied upon to shut down the Blizzard’s attack.
  • Jimmy Adams (#8, P) – A solid two-way player, Adams had 9 points in 12 games and will need to elevate his game to match the Blizzard’s firepower.

Goaltending Concerns

The biggest issue for the Thunder is goaltending.

  • Gustavo Grey (#31) – 1-5 record, 4.90 GAA, .803 SV%
  • Vance Grabow (#1) – 2-7 record, 5.38 GAA, .778 SV%

Both goaltenders rank among the lowest statistically in the division, meaning the Thunder will need a defensive masterclass to slow down the Blizzard’s offensive firepower.

Series Breakdown & X-Factors

Keys to Victory – Mile High Blizzard

✅ Start Fast – The Blizzard dominated the Thunder early in games during the regular season. If they can jump out to quick leads, they can force Black Forest into desperation mode.

✅ Shaun Linger’s Offensive Leadership – As one of the league’s top scoring defensemen, if Linger dictates the pace of play, the Blizzard will be nearly unstoppable.

✅ Strong Goaltending – Wass-Tursick and Bulduck have been solid all season. If they maintain their form, Black Forest will struggle to score.

Keys to Victory – Black Forest Thunder

⚡ Shut Down the Blizzard’s Transition Game – Mile High thrives on speed and puck movement. The Thunder must play physical and slow the game down.

⚡ Elite Goaltending Performance – Gustavo Grey and Vance Grabow must be at their absolute best. Anything less than a standout series will end in disaster.

⚡ Capitalize on Limited Chances – The Thunder won’t get many high-quality scoring opportunities, so they must convert when they do.