The 2026 Class A championship game features two teams with two different goals. Top-seeded Pittsford returns to finals looking to defend its Class A title. No. 2 seed Hilton has reached its programs first Class A title game and will look to claim its first ever title. Here’s what you need to know:
No. 1 seed PITTSFORD PANTHERS (18-2-2/MCPSAC Division)
vs.
No. 2 seed HILTON CADETS (13-8-1/MCPSAC Division)
How they arrived here: Pittsford (No. 10 NYSSWA Division I) got themselves a first-round bye to the quarterfinals and picked up a 2-1 victory over No. 8 McQuaid and then earned a 4-1 victory over No. 4 Penfield in the semifinals. Hilton also received a first-round bye to the quarterfinals and collected a 4-3 double-overtime victory over No. 7 Portside Royals and then defeated No. 6 Fairport 6-3 in the semifinals.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM DENNIS JOYCE HERE.
Trends: Pittsford is currently on a three-game winning streak. They have only surrendered one goal in each of those contests. Hilton is also on a three-game winning streak. The Cadets have scored four or more goals in each of those contests.
Players to watch for Pittsford: David Pollard Sr. F 29 goals, 25 assists, 54 points; Charles Hezel Jr. F 11 goals, 20 assists, 31 points; Peter Yarovinsky Jr. F 12 goals, 16 assists, 28 points; Evan Weiner Sr. F 12 goals, 13 assists, 25 points; Aiden Stauffer Jr. G 10-0-2, three shutouts, 1.46 goals against average, .913 save percentage
Hilton: Lucas Grizzanti So. F 24 goals, 18 assists, 42 points; Hunter Hutteman Sr. F 18 goals, 19 assists, 37 points; Mason Knight Sr. F 11 goals, 11 assists, 22 points; Parker Smith So. F seven goals, 10 assists, 17 points; Lennon Suplicki Sr. G 13-8-1, two shutouts, 2.32 goals against average, .927 save percentage
Coaches: Rory Foster (Pittsford), Chris Monfiletto (Hilton)
History 101: Pittsford is seeking to win to repeat as Class A champion for the first time since 2016. Hilton is looking to capture a program-first sectional title. The two teams met earlier in the season February 12th which saw the Panthers come out victorious 2-1.
What’s next: The winner will move onto the 2026 NYSPHSAA quarterfinal on March 7.
Puck drop is scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Gene Polisseni Center on the campus of RIT.
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