Suffolk Sting Complete Stunning Comeback to Repeat as PIHA Pro Division Champions

📅 Date: March 28-30, 2025
📍 Venue: Pepsi Roller Sports Arena
🏆 Final Series Score: Suffolk Sting def. Naples Kaos 4-3
🎥 Video:  Roller_Planet Games 1-2
🎥 Video:  Roller_Planet Games 3-4
🎥 Video:  Roller_Planet Games 5-7

In a storybook finish to the 2024-25 PIHA Pro Division Finals, the Suffolk Sting defended their crown in dramatic fashion, overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to defeat the Naples Labeda Kaos in seven games and capture back-to-back Founders Cup championships. Powered by clutch performances, relentless depth, and elite two-way play, the Sting completed the reverse sweep on Championship Sunday, winning Games 5, 6, and 7 in dominant fashion.

Defenseman PJ DiMartino was named Playoff MVP, anchoring the blue line and contributing timely goals throughout the series.

Game 1: Kaos Outlast Sting in Offensive Showcase

Final: Naples 6, Suffolk 5
Naples opened the series with a wild 6–5 win in a high-scoring affair. Both teams traded goals in the first period (3–3), but it was Naples who edged ahead in the second. Five different Kaos skaters found the back of the net, including Billy Pascalli and KJ Tiefenwerth, while Kyle Novak powered Suffolk with a hat trick. The Kaos held on in the final minutes to steal Game 1.

Game 2: Sting Strike Back to Even Series

Final: Suffolk 3, Naples 2
The Sting responded in Game 2 with a gritty 3–2 victory. Vinny Cafone and Stephen Falkowski scored for Suffolk, including a late goal with the extra attacker that sealed the win. Despite a 27-shot effort from the Kaos and another multi-point night from Pascalli and Halvorsen, Suffolk goalie Patrick Pugliese stood tall with 25 saves to even the series at 1–1.

Game 3: Kaos Grind Out One-Goal Win

Final: Naples 2, Suffolk 1
In a much more defensive Game 3, the Kaos edged out a 2–1 win to take the series lead. Goals from Tyler Kraft and Anthony Koslow were enough to back a stellar effort from goaltender Daniel Perepezko, who stopped 17 of 18 shots. The Sting were limited to just one power play goal by PJ DiMartino, and Naples began to assert their structure.

Game 4: Kaos Complete Comeback in OT Thriller

Final: Naples 3, Suffolk 2 (OT)
The Sting jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the first period, but the Kaos mounted a comeback. Vinny Cafone and Derek Schultz tied the game in the second, and Payton Baldillez completed the rally with the overtime winner at 6:43 of the extra frame. Steve Brandi made 12 saves in relief to seal the win and give Naples a commanding 3–1 series advantage.

Game 5: Sting 6, Kaos 2 — Suffolk Stays Alive

Facing elimination, the Sting came out with urgency in Game 5 and never let up. Billy Pascalli led the charge with a natural hat trick, scoring twice in the second period and once on the powerplay in the first. Brett Jackson and PJ DiMartino added goals, while goaltender Steve Brandi stopped 21 of 23 shots.

Suffolk turned a 2-2 tie after one period into a four-goal win, flipping the momentum of the series and breathing new life into their title hopes.

Game 6: Sting 7, Kaos 0 — Suffolk Forces Game 7 with Statement Shutout

With everything on the line, Suffolk delivered its most dominant performance of the playoffs, blanking the Kaos 7-0 to tie the series at 3-3.

PJ DiMartino recorded a hat trick, scoring twice in the first period and adding another in the second. Max Halvorsen, Dan Healy, and Brett Jackson each added goals, while the Sting defense smothered Naples’ usually high-octane offense.

PIHA Pro Rookie goaltender Daniel Perepezko earned the shutout, turning aside all 13 shots he faced in a poised and confident performance.

Suffolk outshot Naples 22-13 and completely dictated play in all three zones.

Game 7: Sting 4, Kaos 2 — Suffolk Completes the Comeback

In the winner-take-all finale, the Sting delivered once again.

Though full Game 7 stats are not detailed here, Suffolk’s depth and defensive structure held strong as they closed out the series with their third straight win of the day. The Kaos, who led the series 3-1, couldn’t reclaim the offensive flow they rode through the first half of the series.

Veteran leadership, lockdown defending, and a complete team effort carried Suffolk to glory once again.

🏅 Playoff MVP: PJ DiMartino (Suffolk Sting)

The dynamic defenseman was everywhere in the playoffs—leading breakouts, shutting down top lines, and producing in the clutch. DiMartino scored 5 goals across Games 5 and 6 alone, including two empty-netters and a Game 6 hat trick that sealed the Sting’s push to Game 7.

📈 The Turning Point

After falling behind 3-1 in the series, Suffolk flipped a switch. Over the final three games, they outscored Naples 17-4, limited their high-powered forwards, and controlled the puck with precision and poise.

From Pascalli’s heroics in Game 5, to Perepezko’s shutout in Game 6, and DiMartino’s dominance at both ends of the rink, the Sting reminded the league why they’re the gold standard of PIHA Pro.

🐝 Back-to-Back Champs

With this win, Suffolk becomes repeat Founders Cup champions, solidifying their dynasty status in the PIHA Pro Division. This is their record 9th Pro title and 7 of the last 8.  Head Coach Jason Muro orchestrated one of the most resilient and complete postseason runs in recent league memory.