ASTON, Pa. – The DVHL playoffs have commenced for the 16U and 18U divisions at IceWorks in Aston, Pennsylvania, with a double elimination format for the championship title. Players started battling for the crown Friday afternoon with close matchups across the board.

The 16U AA division kicked off with a bang between the Exton Kings and Quakers. The first period was a defensive onslaught, with no goals scored. The lack of offense quickly faded with a Quakers goal early in the second period by Ronan Schuster. The Kings responded with added offensive intensity. They would go on to score back-to-back goals later in the second period thanks to Silas Defibaugh. In the third period, Christian McCuch scored a crucial go-ahead goal which gave the Kings much needed insurance. The Quakers fought back with a late goal by Aiden Bourne, but the Kings ultimately emerged victorious 3-2.

The 18U A division provided one of the day's best games, with the Delco Phantoms taking on the Jr. Blue Hens in an offensive thriller. After the Blue Hens scored a quick goal by Tyler Firlein, the Phantoms dominated the first period with goals from Ben Rago, Brendan Perner and John Modesti to give them a 3-1 lead. The Phantoms extended their lead in the second period with goals from Cole Mirigliano and Brendan Perner while shutting out the Blue Hens. In the third period, the Blue Hens made a remarkable comeback with back-to-back goals by Cian Harp and Cameron Rogers, but the newfound offensive spark came too late for the Blue Hens and the Phantoms would hold them off and win 5-4.

In another 18U A division battle, Chester County faced off against the Quakers in a defensive duel. The Quakers' goalie, Giacomo DeCola, delivered an impressive defensive performance, allowing just one goal to Liam Pizzie in the second period. The Quakers consistently scored one goal per period, with two goals from Jackson Wickman and one from Alex Margro. Zach Schambers was an amazing facilitator, providing assists for all three goals on the day to help lead the Quakers to a 3-1 victory.

The excitement of playoffs will continue tomorrow and culminate on Sunday when a champion is crowned. The intensity of the playoffs is sure to bring out the best in the talented teams, and it will be a race to the end to find out who emerges the champion.