PIHA Semi-Pro Finals Game 1 Recap: Yotes Shut Out Snipers to Take Series Lead

The Arizona Yotes continued their red-hot playoff run with a commanding 3–0 victory over the Long Island Empire Snipers in Game 1 of the PIHA Semi-Pro Finals on Saturday evening. Behind airtight defense, opportunistic scoring, and a 25-save shutout from goaltender Eric Hernandez, the Yotes took a 1–0 lead in the best-of-three championship series.

Yotes Strike First, Control the Pace

The Yotes set the tone midway through the first half when Aydin Schwetz beat the Snipers defense wide and found Zach Hoffman crashing the slot for a slick finish at 8:55. That goal stood as the game-winner, thanks to a disciplined Arizona backcheck and suffocating neutral zone presence.

While the Snipers actually outshot Arizona in the first (12–10), they couldn't solve Hernandez, who remained poised and positionally perfect all game.

Hoffman Leads the Charge

Arizona’s top scorer in the playoffs, Zach Hoffman, continued his tear with a hat trick performance, accounting for all three Yotes goals. He added his second of the night at 7:44 of the second on a sharp passing play from Ruben Gonzalez, giving Arizona a cushion they wouldn’t need but happily took.

Hoffman sealed the deal with an empty-net goal in the final 77 seconds, completing his hat trick and putting Game 1 out of reach for Long Island.

Snipers Stifled Despite Strong Push

The Snipers had their chances—especially in the first half—but couldn’t generate consistent pressure in the offensive zone. Hernandez was at his best when it mattered most, turning aside 25 total shots and controlling every rebound.

Long Island’s best look came in the closing minutes of the first period, but a pair of point-blank saves preserved the Yotes’ 1–0 lead at the break. Brett Eoviero and Dan Peterson combined for 24 saves for the Snipers in the loss.

What’s Next: Game 2

Arizona leads the series 1–0 and is now just one win away from claiming the 2025 PIHA Semi-Pro Championship. The Snipers will look to bounce back in Game 2 on Sunday morning, needing a win to force a decisive Game 3 later in the day.

Puck drops Sunday at 9:35 a.m. – expect Long Island to come out with urgency, while the Yotes will aim to finish the job and complete their Cinderella run.