Playoff Series Preview: LG Leaf Ray vs M Thunder

The Lambs Grove Leaf Ray (2nd Seed) take on the Monument Thunder (3rd Seed) in what promises to be an incredibly tight first-round matchup in the Rocky Mountain East Minor Division playoffs. The winner of this best-of-three series will advance to the division final to face either the Falcon Vikings or Denver Stallions on March 9, 2025.

During the regular season, Lambs Grove won three of the four meetings, but all four matchups were decided by two goals or less, showing how evenly matched these two teams are.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

🔹 Lambs Grove holds the 3-1 season series edge
🔹 Each game was highly competitive, decided by two goals or fewer
🔹 Both teams have dangerous offensive weapons and can score in bunches

Lambs Grove Leaf Ray (2nd Seed) – High-Powered Attack but Defensive Concerns

Lambs Grove enters the playoffs with one of the most dangerous offensive groups in the division, led by a pair of high-scoring forwards in Hunter Shepherd and Gavin Rock. However, defensive inconsistency and goaltending struggles have kept them from dominating the standings.

Key Players

🔥 Hunter Shepherd (#20, F) – One of the most explosive scorers in the league, Shepherd tallied 27 points (17G, 10A) in just 14 games, averaging 1.9 points per game.

🔥 Gavin Rock (#34, F) – A perfect complement to Shepherd, Rock finished with 25 points (15G, 10A) in 15 games, forming one of the best offensive duos in the division.

🔥 Levi Denum (#44, F) – A key secondary scorer, Denum contributed 16 points (11G, 5A) in 18 games, giving Lambs Grove additional firepower.

Goaltending Concerns

The biggest question mark for Lambs Grove is between the pipes.

• Dylan Etzel (#1, G) – 7-6 record, 4.78 GAA, .728 SV%, 0 shutouts

With a subpar save percentage (.728) and a high goals-against average (4.78), Etzel will need to step up in this series to avoid getting outdueled by Monument’s goalie.

Monument Thunder (3rd Seed) – Stronger Goaltending & Balanced Offense

The Thunder may be the lower seed, but they are more than capable of pulling off an upset. They have a solid mix of playmaking and goal-scoring, plus a better goaltending situation, which could be a major advantage in this series.

Key Players

⚡ Jonathan Ile (#22, F) – The offensive catalyst for Monument, Ile finished with 30 points (12G, 18A) in 18 games, leading the team in assists and points.

⚡ Brett Davis (#11, F) – A pure goal-scorer, Davis put up 16 goals and 21 points in 18 games, proving he can change the game with his finishing ability.

⚡ Forrest Keller (#15, F) – A reliable two-way forward, Keller tallied 15 points (9G, 6A) in 17 games, contributing at both ends of the ice.

Goaltending Edge

Unlike Lambs Grove, Monument has a more stable presence in net, which could be the difference-maker in this tight series.

• Nate Screpesi (#31, G) – 9-8 record, 3.97 GAA, .813 SV%, 0 shutouts

Screpesi’s higher save percentage (.813) and lower goals-against average (3.97) give the Thunder an advantage in goal, especially against Lambs Grove’s potent offense.

Series Breakdown & X-Factors

Keys to Victory – Lambs Grove Leaf Ray

✅ Use their offensive firepower – With Shepherd and Rock leading the way, the Leaf Ray have the firepower to overwhelm any team if they execute properly.

✅ Get goaltending support – Etzel will need to step up and limit rebounds against a Monument offense that thrives on second chances.

✅ Avoid costly turnovers – Monument has a strong transition game, and if Lambs Grove gets sloppy with the puck, the Thunder will capitalize.

Keys to Victory – Monument Thunder

⚡ Lean on Screpesi in goal – The Thunder have the better goaltending, and if Screpesi can steal a game, Monument could take the series.

⚡ Shut down Shepherd and Rock – If they can frustrate Lambs Grove’s top line, they drastically improve their chances of an upset.

⚡ Capitalize on defensive weaknesses – Lambs Grove gives up too many goals, and Monument has the offensive weapons to exploit those weaknesses.