PIHA Results 2023 Founders cup Results

Article Written By : CJ Yoder

Going into game 5 on Sunday, the Suffolk Sting looked primed to take their PIHA-record 6th consecutive Founders Cup and 7th title overall. The Denver Demon Dogs were staring down a 3-1 series deficit and an uphill battle.

In game 5, the Demon Dogs jumped out to a 3-1 lead before the Sting came back to lead 4-3 late in the second. Alex Payne scored shortly after to tie the game, and then Taylor Jay scored in OT to win the game.

Game 6 proved to be another hard-fought battle, and it was the Sting who yet again had a lead late in the third, as Justin Favalaro gave them the 5-3 lead with 4:44 to go. The Demon Dogs then went on to score twice in less than a span of 2:30, and Jake Townsend scored the OT winner to force game 7.

Game 7 took a different, yet exciting approach. The Demon Dogs jumped out to a 4-0 lead with 5 minutes played in the first half. Suffolk then bounced back with four consecutive goals, as Dan Healy tied the game at four with 5:13 left in the second half. Jake Townsend then scored with 1:35 remaining to give the Demon Dogs the lead, and he then added the empty netter to win the Founders Cup for the Demon Dogs.

The Denver Demon Dogs have won their first championship ever as a franchise, and the Founders Cup makes its return to the Rocky Mountain Division.

PRO Champions : RDN Demon Dogs

Photo by Stacy Marvici

Semi Pro Champions : Marple Gladiators

Photo by Stacy Marvici

Full Article Below by PIHA

The Rocky Mouintain division champion Demon Dogs came out to their hometown crowd and buzzed in game one.  They overcame an early goal by the Sting and took game one by the score of 4-2.  Goaltender Jon Joy sparkled in the performance, as league leading scorer Jake Townsend carried the offensive load with a hat trick.

Game two was a completely different script.  The Sting struck early and added a second to carry a 2-0 lead into the half.  An impressive response out of the gate in the second period saw the Dogs briefly tie the game back up, the the quick Strike offense of the 5 time defending champs showed up in response.  Derek Shultz and KJ Tiefenwerth each tallied twice in the 5-2 win for the Sting in game two.

The series split on opening night, leads most to believe the series may be in for the long haul.  It at least guarantees the champion will be crowned on Sunday.

Saturday is traditionally moving day in a golf tournament, but it proved to be true in the Pro division best of seven series. After spliting a pair of opening night games, Saturday evening would highlight games 3 and 4.  Highlighted by what can easily be called one of the best games in PIHA history, the Sting and Demon Dogs battled to almost a third overtime in game three.  After taking an early 2-0 lead the Demon Dogs watched as the Sting chipped away with three goals to take the lead.  A powerplay goal with just seconds left on the clock tied the game and sent it to overtime.  What took place next could only be called amazing.  For two consecutive periods the teams traded blows with neither goaltender giving an inch.  It wasn't until just over 4 minutes to play in the 2nd overtime that Derek Shultz created a turnover and through a sneaky shot that caught Jon Joy of the Dogs off guard.

Game four was all Sting, as they got out early and played frontrunner all game.  A late push by the Demon Dogs netted them a few goals, but it was the Sting who earned the 5-2 game four win and now hold a commanding 3-1 series lead, headed into Sunday.

Going into game 5 on Sunday, the Suffolk Sting looked primed to take their PIHA-record 6th consecutive Founders Cup and 7th title overall. The Denver Demon Dogs were staring down a 3-1 series deficit and an uphill battle.

In game 5, the Demon Dogs jumped out to a 3-1 lead before the Sting came back to lead 4-3 late in the second. Alex Payne scored shortly after to tie the game, and then Taylor Jay scored in OT to win the game.

Game 6 proved to be another hard-fought battle, and it was the Sting who yet again had a lead late in the third, as Justin Favalaro gave them the 5-3 lead with 4:44 to go. The Demon Dogs then went on to score twice in less than a span of 2:30, and Jake Townsend scored the OT winner to force game 7.

Game 7 took a different, yet exciting approach. The Demon Dogs jumped out to a 4-0 lead with 5 minutes played in the first half. Suffolk then bounced back with four consecutive goals, as Dan Healy tied the game at four with 5:13 left in the second half. Jake Townsend then scored with 1:35 remaining to give the Demon Dogs the lead, and he then added the empty netter to win the Founders Cup for the Demon Dogs.

The Denver Demon Dogs have won their first championship ever as a franchise, and the Founders Cup makes its return to the Rocky Mountain Division.