Playoff Series Preview: Shockwave vs Iron Knights

The Keystone Division playoffs continue at Marple Sports Arena as the top-seeded Steel City Shockwave face the fourth-seeded Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights in a best-of-three semifinal series.

After a dominant regular season, Steel City enters as the clear favorite, while the Iron Knights arrive battle-tested following a dramatic three-game quarterfinal victory. With a trip to the Keystone Division Final on the line, both teams will look to establish momentum early in what could be a fast-paced and high-scoring matchup.

📅 Series Schedule — Marple Sports Arena

🕘 Game 1: February 21, 2026 – 11:00 AM
🕘 Game 2: February 21, 2026 – 12:30 PM
🕘 Game 3 (If Necessary): February 21, 2026 – 2:00 PM

The winner advances to the Keystone Division Final on Sunday, February 22.

🟡 Steel City Shockwave (1st Seed)

Regular Season Record: 17-3-0

Notable Regular Season Matchups

• Defeated Iron Knights 4-1
• Defeated Iron Knights 9-3

Steel City has been the benchmark team in the Keystone Division all season. Their offense has been overwhelming, their depth is unmatched, and they enter the semifinals rested after earning the first-round bye.

Offensive Leaders

• Kyle Rosendale — 69 pts (51G, 18A) *LEAGUE LEADER

• Nate Loughner — 45 pts

• Marco DeLisi — 39 pts

• Jory Rodgers — 34 pts

• Nathan Planey — 20 pts

Steel City boasts the most explosive attack in the division, averaging elite scoring production throughout the season. Rosendale’s 51 goals alone make him one of the most dangerous players in the league entering the postseason.

Goaltending

• Jacob Proskin: 3.11 GAA, .835 SV%

• Jesse Koewacich: 3.81 GAA

While the Shockwave win primarily with offense, their goaltending tandem has provided consistent stability behind a high-pressure attack.

🔑 Key to Victory:
Play at tempo. When Steel City dictates pace and forces opponents into run-and-gun hockey, they become extremely difficult to contain.

⚠️ Potential Weakness:
High-event games can occasionally leave defensive gaps. A disciplined opponent that capitalizes on transition chances could create problems.

🔵 Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights (4th Seed)

Regular Season Record: 6-11-3
Quarterfinal Result: Defeated Chesapeake Baymen (2-1 series)

The Iron Knights arrive with momentum after surviving a three-game quarterfinal battle. Their path has been tougher, but that playoff experience could prove valuable against the rested top seed.

Offensive Leaders

• Cody Rotkiske — 26 pts (Defense)

• Alec Moyer — 17 pts

• Christian Wenger — 17 pts

• Ty Loftus — 17 pts

• Nate Crammer — 13 pts

Rotkiske’s production from the blue line drives the Iron Knights’ offense, while balanced secondary scoring provides additional support.

Goaltending

• Dann Steffens: 4.46 GAA

• Brandon Wagaman: 5.76 GAA

The Iron Knights’ success often hinges on timely saves and defensive structure, particularly against high-powered offenses.

🔑 Key to Victory:
Defensive discipline and counter-attack opportunities. Slowing the pace and limiting Steel City’s transition game is essential.

⚠️ Potential Weakness:
Containing elite scoring depth. Facing the Shockwave’s offensive firepower is the biggest challenge of their season.

🔚 What to Expect

This semifinal presents a classic playoff contrast:
• The top seed with overwhelming offense and rest
• A lower seed entering battle-tested and confident

Steel City’s season dominance makes them the team to beat, but the Iron Knights have already proven they can survive high-pressure playoff scenarios.

With a berth in the Keystone Division Final on the line, expect an intense, fast-paced series where momentum could shift quickly across the short best-of-three format.