Asheville Aces Fall in the Finals to Apex Mops
The Apex Title Wave Mops are heading to Colorado Springs after a thrilling two-game sweep of the Champion Asheville Aces in the Southeast Division Minor Final. The Mops showcased a balanced attack, resilient defense, and clutch performances to claim the series 2-0, securing their spot in next month's PIHA Finals.
Game 1: Mops Control Play, Hold Off Late Push from Aces
Game 1 saw the Mops make an immediate statement, dominating the opening period and capitalizing on key scoring chances. Colton Henley struck first just over a minute into the game, giving Apex an early lead. They continued to press offensively, and Gino Lamanna doubled the advantage at the 1:47 mark. As the clock wound down, Jeremy Havill buried a rebound off a Chris Martinez setup with just three seconds left, giving the Mops a commanding 3-0 lead heading into intermission.
Despite being outshot 21-9 in the second period, Asheville found a way to battle back. Dan Dean finally broke through for the Aces at 11:10, finishing off a strong shift from Jake Kopitzke and Austin Gomez. Six minutes later, Justin Wood capitalized on a turnover and cut the deficit to 3-2, shifting momentum in Asheville's favor.
However, Apex's defense, anchored by Bradley McHugh in net, held firm. McHugh made a series of clutch saves as Asheville pushed for the equalizer, stopping 25 of 27 shots in total. The Mops would get a late insurance goal from Henley at 5:46 to seal a 4-2 victory and put the Aces on the brink of elimination.
Game 2: Overtime Thriller Sends Mops to the PIHA Finals
Facing elimination, the Aces came out determined in Game 2. The first period was a tight, physical battle, with both teams limiting quality scoring chances. Asheville’s defense, led by Tyler Gilbert and Austin Gomez, kept the Mops off the board early. Meanwhile, Apex’s Tyler Bartle matched his counterpart in net, making key stops but the Mops would get on the board from a shot by David Davalos.
The Aces would answer late in the second period to tie the game with a goal by Austin Gomez who received a pass from Sam Desrocher.
Apex refused to let the game slip away. The Mops answered at 1:53 with a determined effort from Hunter Bardua, who buried a loose puck in front to make it 2-1 heading into the final frame.
With the season on the line, the Aces continued to press, and their persistence paid off. With 00:18 left the third, Daniel Dean found an opening in the slot, from a pass by Mike Borst and wired a shot past Bartle to even the game at 2-2. The remainder of regulation saw both teams tighten up defensively, knowing that one mistake could end their season.
In overtime, the tension was palpable, with each team generating chances. Asheville came close to winning it when Jake Kopitzke nearly stuffed in a wraparound attempt, but Bartle made a sprawling save to keep the game alive. Moments later, Apex's TJ Moffitt found a loose puck in the neutral zone, skated in on a partial breakaway, and fired a shot past Shirley at 7:59, clinching the win and sending the Mops to the PIHA Finals.
Bartle was exceptional, turning away 27 of 29 shots, while Shirley made 27 saves in a valiant effort for Asheville.