Met Division Final Recap: Snipers edge Sting

The Long Island Empire Snipers triumphed in a thrilling three-game Atlantic Division Final against the Suffolk Sting, earning their place in the 2024-25 PIHA Finals. This hard-fought series, marked by elite goaltending and dramatic moments, left no doubt that these were two of the league’s best teams, both deserving of a championship appearance.

Game 1: Snipers Set the Tone

The Snipers kicked off the series with a gritty 2-1 victory, anchored by Daniel Nelson, who had a hand in both Sniper goals, and an outstanding performance in net by Brett Eoviero.

• Daniel Nelson opened the scoring with a power-play goal late in the first period and extended the lead early in the second with an even-strength tally.
• Suffolk’s Mike Tardino responded with a goal midway through the second period, but despite some late chances, the Sting couldn’t find the equalizer.
• Eoviero turned away 14 of 15 shots, showing poise under pressure to seal the win.

Game 2: Sting Strike Back in Overtime

Facing elimination, the Sting bounced back with a 1-0 overtime victory in Game 2, proving why they were one of the league's toughest teams.

• Alex Parisi was the hero for the Sting, stopping all 19 Sniper shots, including several in a nail-biting overtime period.
• With 5:03 left in overtime, Rick Seward broke the deadlock with a highlight-reel goal, assisted by Jeremy Puglia, to force a decisive Game 3.

Game 3: Snipers Outlast Sting in a Classic

The winner-takes-all showdown delivered the drama fans hoped for, as the Snipers edged the Sting 5-4 in a game that felt like a championship battle.

• The Sting struck first with two quick goals in the opening three minutes from Josh Weger and Mike Tardino, putting the Snipers on the back foot early.
• The Snipers roared back with two goals of their own, capped by Daniel Nelson’s power-play marker to tie the game at the end of the first period.
• In the second period, Nick Casazza and Eric Rieger scored pivotal goals to give the Snipers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, despite a late push from Suffolk.
• Brett Eoviero stood tall in net again, making 13 saves to withstand Suffolk’s pressure.

What’s Next

The Long Island Empire Snipers now head to Colorado Springs for the PIHA Finals, their first appearance since the 2022-23 season. That year, they came heartbreakingly close to a championship, falling in Game 3 of the Finals. With a roster brimming with talent, including Daniel Nelson’s two-way dominance and Brett Eoviero’s clutch goaltending, the Snipers look poised to finish the job this time around.

For the Suffolk Sting, the loss was undoubtedly disappointing, but they showed why they’re perennial contenders. Their ability to push the top-seeded Snipers to the limit is a testament to the talent and determination of their roster.

The only loser of this series was anyone who missed it. Both teams left it all on the rink in a series that could have easily been a preview of the championship itself. The Snipers now shift their focus to claiming the title that eluded them two seasons ago, while the Sting will no doubt be back stronger next year.