Playoff Series Preview: Wolfpack vs Roosters

by Anthony Flynn

The Garden State Division brings the heat to the PIHA playoffs with a battle between two gritty, familiar foes. The 4th seed Unify NJ Wolfpack will face the 5th seed Morristown Revolt Roosters in a best-of-three showdown at ISCA. With both teams hungry to advance, the stage is set for a physical, fast-paced series. The winner earns a semifinal date with the top-seeded New Jersey Jagaloons on Saturday, February 21st at Marple Sports Arena.

📅 Series Schedule – Inline Skating Club of America (ISCA)

  • Game 1: Friday, January 31 – 6:45 PM

  • Game 2: Friday, January 31 – 8:15 PM

  • Game 3 (If Necessary): Friday, January 31 – 9:45 PM

🔵 Unify New Jersey Wolfpack (4th Seed)

🧾 Season Record: 9‑11‑0

The Wolfpack clawed their way into the fourth seed with a competitive 9-win campaign, built on structure and team grit. They were one of the division’s most disciplined defensive teams, allowing just 3.05 goals per game.

đź“Š Head-to-Head vs. Roosters:

  • W 6–3 on Oct. 18

  • W 3–1 on Jan. 3

Unify swept the season series with solid defensive efforts, including a commanding third-period in their most recent win.

🔑 Key Players:

  • Luca Esposito – Led the team with 16 points in 19 games; a quiet playmaker with a knack for late-game heroics

  • Gino Rodriguez – Strong defensive anchor, key on both the penalty kill and breakout

  • Ryan VanArsdale – Steady presence in goal with multiple high-save outings

đź—ť Key to Victory:

Staying disciplined and playing their layered defensive zone will be critical. The Wolfpack are at their best when limiting odd-man rushes and turning mistakes into offense.

⚠️ Vulnerabilities:

They can be streaky offensively and have relied heavily on Esposito for scoring. If the Roosters find a way to shut him down, the Wolfpack may struggle to generate chances.

đź”´ Morristown Revolt Roosters (5th Seed)

🧾 Season Record: 8‑11‑1

The Roosters were one bounce from jumping into the fourth seed and will look to use that chip on their shoulder as fuel. Despite the sub-.500 record, they finished strong and have playoff-caliber grit.

đź“Š Head-to-Head vs. Wolfpack:

  • L 3–6 on Oct. 18

  • L 1–3 on Jan. 3

Morristown stayed within reach in both matchups but couldn’t solve the Wolfpack’s zone coverage or find consistent pressure.

🔑 Key Players:

  • Nick Gismondi – 18 points in 19 games; the heartbeat of the Roosters’ offense

  • Mike Mulligan – Physical presence on the forecheck and emotional leader

  • Chris Mazzio – Talented goaltender who has faced over 30 shots multiple times and kept games close

đź—ť Key to Victory:

Crashing the net and establishing net-front presence early. The Roosters will need to disrupt the Wolfpack’s defensive flow and generate second-chance goals.

⚠️ Vulnerabilities:

Turnovers and penalty trouble have hurt them in key games. Against a patient team like the Wolfpack, discipline will be vital—especially in a short series.

🆚 Series Outlook

Expect a defensive chess match with moments of explosive transition play. Unify comes in with the edge from the regular season, but playoff hockey is all about adjustments—and the Roosters are capable of flipping the script if they strike early.

This series could hinge on special teams and goaltending, with both clubs bringing strong netminders and structured systems. The winner will advance to face the division’s best in the New Jersey Jagaloons—but first, they’ll have to earn it under the bright lights at ISCA.