PIHA East Pro Division Releases 2025–26 Schedule

by Anthony Flynn

The Professional Inline Hockey Association (PIHA) has officially released the 2025–26 East Region Pro Division schedule, featuring a mix of returning powerhouses, brand-new programs, and the debut of two fresh facilities that will shape the season. The schedule runs from November 8, 2025, through January 10, 2026, with marquee stops in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Long Island, and beyond.

Teams to Watch in 2025–26

  • Buffalo Wings — Returning to PIHA Pro for the first time since 2004, the Wings are back with their trademark competitiveness and will host games at the Epic Sports Center.

  • Hockey Plus Blue Heelers — A new franchise based in Pottstown, PA, started by Sam and Joel Eisenhower after departing the Inferno, looking to make an immediate impact.

  • Michigan Fury → Motor City Dirty Dawgs — The Fury rebrand for their second season, aiming to solidify their place as a Midwestern contender.

  • Moriches Sting — With a revamped roster, the Sting are expected to be in the thick of the playoff chase.

  • Pittsburgh Inferno — A perennial force, the Inferno will sport a new look this season but remain among the East’s most dangerous.

  • Suffolk Sting — Back-to-back champions, Suffolk will chase a three-peat this year.

  • Toronto 6ixers — A new Canadian entry loaded with Pro Rage Cat and Skittles players, bringing northern firepower into the mix.

New Venues for the East

  • Epic Sports Center (Buffalo, NY) — Hosting its first-ever PIHA games on Opening Weekend (Nov. 8–9), marking Buffalo’s return to top-level inline hockey.

  • Grove City YMCA (Pittsburgh Suburbs, PA) — One of two “major event weekends” this season, with 14 games on Dec. 13–14 featuring every team in the region.

Schedule Highlights

Opening Weekend — Nov. 8–9, 2025 (Epic Sports Center, Buffalo, NY)

The new-look East Pro Division launches with a 15-game slate across two days.

  • Suffolk begins its title defense against the returning Buffalo Wings (Sat, 12:00 PM).

  • Debut of the Toronto 6ixers against the Hockey Plus Blue Heelers (Sat, 1:20 PM).

  • Classic rivalry returns: Pittsburgh Inferno vs. Buffalo Wings (Sat, 2:00 PM).

  • Full crossover matchups conclude Sunday with Suffolk vs. Michigan and Toronto vs. Blue Heelers headlining.

Motor City Showcase — Nov. 22, 2025 (Big Boy Arena, Fraser, MI)

Michigan Fury (Dirty Dawgs) host a packed eight-game card.

  • Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Michigan rotate through key divisional contests, highlighted by Toronto vs. Inferno (Sat, 6:40 PM).

Island Rivalry Day — Nov. 23, 2025 (Rapid Fire Arena, Long Island, NY)

A six-game showcase devoted to the Suffolk Sting, Moriches Sting, and Blue Heelers. Expect multiple rivalry tilts between Long Island’s two Sting squads.

Pittsburgh Major Event — Dec. 13–14, 2025 (Grove City YMCA, PA)

The season’s biggest two-day event with 21 total games, featuring every East Pro team.

  • Suffolk vs. Toronto (Sat, 1:00 PM).

  • Moriches vs. Pittsburgh (Sat, 1:40 PM).

  • Inferno vs. Suffolk rematch (Sun, 8:00 AM).
    This weekend will be a playoff preview atmosphere.

Marple Clash — Jan. 3, 2026 (Marple Sports Arena, PA)

Pennsylvania fans get a close-up with a rivalry-packed day featuring the Blue Heelers, Sting (both teams), and Inferno.

Season Finale — Jan. 10, 2026 (Big Boy Arena, MI)

Toronto and Michigan headline a day of six games, setting the table for postseason seeding.

Storylines to Follow

  • Suffolk’s Three-Peat Quest — Can the Sting make history with a third straight title?

  • Buffalo’s Long-Awaited Return — How will the Wings fare after a two-decade absence?

  • Blue Heelers’ First Steps — The Eisenhower brothers’ new program will be under the spotlight early.

  • Toronto’s Impact — A Canadian contender could shift the East’s balance of power.

  • Pittsburgh’s Reload — Even with a new look, the Inferno remain one of the toughest teams to beat.

Final Word

The 2025–26 PIHA East Pro Division schedule is set to deliver intensity from start to finish. With new teams, fresh rivalries, and historic venues, the East is deeper and more competitive than ever. Opening faceoff comes November 8, 2025, in Buffalo, where the Suffolk Sting begin their title defense and a new era of PIHA Pro hockey takes flight.