Playoff Series Preview: Iron Knights vs Shockwave

by Anthony Flynn

The Keystone Division Minor playoffs kick off with a best-of-three series between the #1 seed Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights and the #4 seed Steel City Shockwave. While seeding may suggest a lopsided affair, this division has been one of the most competitive in PIHA history, with the Shockwave defeating the Iron Knights twice in the regular season. With a trip to the Keystone Division Final on the line, this series is shaping up to be a thrilling, unpredictable battle.

Regular Season Matchups

  • Oct. 5: Steel City 2, Pottstown 1
  • Oct. 26: Steel City 3, Pottstown 2
  • Nov. 23: Pottstown 3, Steel City 1

Steel City holds a 2-1 edge in the season series, with all three games tightly contested and defensive battles. Pottstown won the most recent matchup in November, but the Shockwave's ability to stifle the Iron Knights’ offense makes them a legitimate threat despite being the lower seed.

Team Breakdown

Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights

The Iron Knights earned the top seed by playing consistent hockey all season. Their strength lies in their balanced scoring and stellar goaltending tandem of Dann Steffens and Pat Noecker, who have combined for three shutouts this year.

  • Top Players:
    • David Lundy (#24, F): Leads the team with 15 points (14 goals, 1 assist). Lundy has been their go-to goal scorer and a key presence in clutch moments.
    • Cody Rotiske (#22, D): A playmaker from the blue line, tallying 14 points (6 goals, 8 assists).
    • Dann Steffens (#92, G): Boasts a 1.46 GAA and a sparkling .879 save percentage, with two shutouts in 15 games.

The Iron Knights rely on structured defense and timely scoring. If their goaltenders maintain their elite form, they will be tough to beat.

Steel City Shockwave

The Shockwave enter as the fourth seed, but have proven to be a formidable opponent. Their offense is spread out, with no player reaching more than 16 points, but their balanced attack can make it difficult for opponents to focus on shutting down one line.

  • Top Players:
    • Nathan Planey (#27, F/D): Leads the team with 16 points (10 goals, 6 assists) and is a key two-way player.
    • Marco DeLisi (#99, F/D): Scored 12 points (8 goals, 4 assists) in just 8 games and can be an X-factor if he’s in the lineup.
    • Jesse Koewacich (#35, G): A solid presence in net with a 2.57 GAA and .802 save percentage, he has the ability to steal games.

Steel City’s ability to frustrate teams defensively while capitalizing on transition opportunities makes them a dangerous underdog.

Key Storylines

  1. Goaltending Battle: Both teams split time between their two goaltenders. If one goalie steps up and plays at an elite level, it could tip the series.
  2. Balanced Scoring: Neither team has a true superstar, but both feature balanced contributions throughout their lineups. Expect scoring depth to play a major role.
  3. Close Games: All three regular season matchups were decided by two goals or less. With defenses likely to dominate, capitalizing on power plays and minimizing mistakes will be crucial.
  4. Pressure on Pottstown: As the top seed, the Iron Knights have the pressure of being the favorite. Steel City, having already beaten them twice, will look to play loose and spoil the party.

Series Outlook

This series is as close to a toss-up as you’ll find. The Iron Knights’ defense and goaltending give them a slight edge on paper, but the Shockwave’s success in the regular season matchups shows they’re more than capable of pulling off the upset. If Steel City can frustrate Pottstown’s attack early and steal Game 1, the momentum could shift in their favor.

The winner will advance to face either the Marple Gladiators or the Susquehanna Scream in the Keystone Division Final on February 16, with a spot in the PIHA Minor Finals on the line.