Snipers Surge in Rhode Island as PIHA Semi-Pro Returns to Longplex

The PIHA Semi-Pro circuit rolled into New England on Saturday, November 22, as four Metropolitan Division programs collided at Longplex in Tiverton, Rhode Island. With each team playing four games in a single-day marathon, the event served as the second and final cross-division showcase of the season before everyone shifts back into in-division play next month.

By the end of eight tightly contested matchups, the Long Island Empire Snipers stood tallest at 3-1-0, while the Empire State Labeda Legends and Fusion Steel finished 2-2-0, and the East Coast Rebellion battled hard but closed at 1-3-0. The day featured major scoring swings, a pair of revenge meetings, and several standout individual efforts that reshaped early-season momentum.

Game-by-Game Recaps

12:00 PM — East Coast Rebellion 7, Fusion Steel 1

Rebellion opened the day with a statement, exploding for seven goals in a dominant wire-to-wire performance. East Coast controlled puck possession, scoring early and often while limiting Steel to perimeter chances. Their transition game overwhelmed Steel’s defensive structure, turning neutral-zone turnovers into instant offense. Fusion Steel never found rhythm, and Rebellion walked away with their biggest win of the event.

12:40 PM — Empire State Labeda Legends 2, Long Island Empire Snipers 4

The Snipers set their tone immediately with a fast, structured opening effort. Long Island capitalized on quick puck movement and won the special-teams battle to build a multi-goal cushion. The Legends mounted pressure late, cutting the deficit, but couldn’t solve the Snipers’ defensive layers in the closing minutes. The win gave Long Island early control of the standings.

1:20 PM — Empire State Labeda Legends 6, East Coast Rebellion 5

In the most chaotic game of the afternoon, both teams traded goals in a back-and-forth shootout. The Legends surged ahead with a three-goal run, only for Rebellion to rally and tie the score entering the final stretch. A late Empire State strike broke the deadlock as the Legends secured their first victory. Despite the loss, Rebellion showcased resilience and offensive depth.

2:00 PM — Long Island Empire Snipers 1, Fusion Steel 2

Fusion Steel responded impressively in their second outing, grinding out a tight defensive victory. After an early Steel goal, the Snipers pushed hard in the second, finally drawing even. Steel’s goaltending held firm under sustained pressure before a late insurance marker sealed the upset. It was a key bounce-back win that stabilized Steel’s day at 1-1.

2:40 PM — East Coast Rebellion 3, Long Island Empire Snipers 6

The Snipers’ most explosive offensive performance came against a Rebellion squad looking to regain momentum. Long Island attacked in layers, scoring in bunches to pull away after a tight first half. Rebellion generated chances but struggled on coverage, giving up multiple rush-generated goals. The result moved the Snipers to 3-1-0 and marked their second win over Rebellion on the season.

3:20 PM — Fusion Steel 3, Empire State Labeda Legends 7

The Legends delivered their most complete game of the event, combining efficient puck movement with a relentless forecheck. Empire State built an early lead and never looked back, converting on several high-danger rebounds and slot chances. Fusion Steel battled but couldn’t slow the Legends’ sustained zone time. The victory briefly pushed Empire State into a share of the top spot.

4:00 PM — Fusion Steel 5, East Coast Rebellion 3

Steel closed their schedule strong, earning a decisive win behind timely scoring and improved defensive discipline. The Rebellion led early before Steel stormed back with a multi-goal surge fueled by forechecking pressure and controlled entries. East Coast pushed late but couldn’t close the gap as Steel secured a 2-2-0 finish.

4:40 PM — Long Island Empire Snipers 4, Empire State Labeda Legends 2

The rematch between the event’s top two programs lived up to the billing. Both teams traded structured, playoff-style hockey before the Snipers broke through midway with back-to-back tallies. The Legends answered once, but Long Island’s transition speed proved the difference. The Snipers locked down defensively in the final minutes to claim a third win and the top record of the day.

Stars & Storylines

Snipers Take Control

Long Island’s 3-1-0 performance was no fluke—consistent scoring, tight structure, and the ability to adjust mid-game separated them from the field. Their two wins over the Legends could loom large in tiebreakers.

Legends Split But Show Ceiling

Empire State’s 2-2-0 finish included both their highest-scoring win (7-3) and two competitive losses to the Snipers. When they controlled pace, they looked like a top-tier threat.

Steel Steady the Ship

After a rough opener, Fusion Steel rebounded to finish 2-2-0, highlighted by wins over both the Snipers and Rebellion—proof they can beat anyone when locked in defensively.

Rebellion’s Record Doesn’t Tell the Story

At 1-3-0, East Coast played tighter than the standings show. A one-goal loss to the Legends and late push against Steel suggest they’re close to turning results around.

Division Outlook

Only weeks into the Metropolitan Semi-Pro season, Long Island’s performance gives them early separation, but the middle remains crowded. Empire State and Fusion Steel sit even at 2-2-0, while East Coast isn’t far off the pace despite their finish. With four cross-division events now complete, every in-division point becomes critical—especially with tiebreakers already in play.

What’s Next

The Metropolitan and Mid-Atlantic divisions now return to in-division play on Saturday, December 13.

• Keystone Division heads to Yellow Breeches Sports Centre in New Stanton, PA

• Mid-Atlantic Division returns to Inline Skating Club of America (ISCA)

With playoff races tightening and standings compressing quickly, Longplex may have been the turning point—now the real separation begins.