Two Divisions, One Statement Weekend — Semi-Pro Stars Shine Bright at PIHA’s Marple Showcase

The Professional Inline Hockey Association’s Semi-Pro circuit converged on Marple Sports Arena in Broomall, Pennsylvania this past Saturday for the second and final cross-division festival of the 2025-26 season.  Teams from both the Metropolitan and Mid-Atlantic Divisions met under one roof at the league’s East Coast headquarters for a 22-game showcase that packed more than nine hours of hockey into one dramatic day.  The event served as a crucial mid-season measuring stick, matching top clubs like the Long Island Empire Snipers, New Jersey Assault, Suffolk Sting, and Marple SK Labeda Gladiators against fresh inter-divisional opponents.  Several visiting officials from around the league joined the Marple staff for the day, ensuring smooth operations and high-level consistency across every matchup.

11:00 AM – Fusion Blizzard 2, Empire State Labeda Legends 3

The day opened on the Red Rink with a tight duel between the Fusion Blizzard and the Empire State Labeda Legends.  Nick Collins scored twice for the Legends while Marc Mayer added the game-winner early in the second half.  PJ Breslow netted both goals for Fusion, keeping them close until the final horn.  Goaltender Matt Lazaro stood tall for Empire State with several key saves in the closing minutes to seal a 3-2 win.

11:00 AM – Chesapeake Baymen 0, Long Island Empire Snipers 4

On the Blue Rink, the Long Island Empire Snipers started fast and never looked back.  Daniel Nelson scored twice—including a power-play marker—while Ryan Wolsiefer and James Rieger added singles in a dominant performance.  Chesapeake’s Julio Baña Fernandez faced a barrage of 26 shots but kept the game respectable.  The Snipers’ depth and defensive poise set the tone for their unbeaten festival run.

11:40 AM – Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 4, Fusion Steel 5

This local showcase was a thriller between two dynamic Mid-Atlantic powers.  The Gladiators jumped ahead early behind goals from Eric Wakefield and Justin Paton, but Fusion Steel rallied behind a multi-point effort from Matthew Hawkins and Josh Fontaine.  Hawkins’ late strike broke a 4-4 tie in the closing minute.  Both goaltenders—Stephen Digiovanna for Fusion and Andrew Sharkus for Marple—were heavily tested throughout the fast-paced contest.

11:40 AM – New Jersey Assault 1, Suffolk Sting 4

The impressive Assault met the always-structured Suffolk Sting in one of the day’s most physical games.  Suffolk used a balanced attack led by Sean Phelan and Brett Jackson to build an early cushion.  Assault forward Tom Russo had the lone goal for New Jersey, but Suffolk’s defense stifled their high-powered offense.  Drue Santora backstopped the Sting with 22 saves for the win.

12:20 PM – Philadelphia Barons 2, Moriches Sting 1

The Barons and Moriches played a patient, defensive game through two halves.  Justin Brown opened the scoring early for Philadelphia and later added an assist on Pat Foy’s go-ahead goal.  Michael Rovinsky pulled one back for Moriches, but Jared Occhicone was steady in the Barons’ net to preserve the 2-1 decision.  The Barons’ first victory of the season sparked a much-needed morale boost.

12:20 PM – Fusion Blizzard 5, ISCA Revolt 2

Fusion rebounded strongly from their morning loss, dominating possession against ISCA Revolt.  PJ Breslow had another stellar outing with two goals and an assist, while Quinn Mulligan’s playmaking drove the attack.  ISCA’s Sean Haggerty scored both of his team’s goals, but Fusion’s transition game was too fast.  Dylan Sapienza earned the win in goal, stopping 12 of 14 shots.

1:00 PM – Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 1, Long Island Empire Snipers 4

In one of the marquee cross-division matchups, the Empire Snipers again displayed their structure and depth.  Stephen Falkowski led the charge with a goal and assist, while goaltender Brett Eoviero turned away 18 shots.  Eric Wakefield scored Marple’s only goal early but the Snipers tightened defensively and countered efficiently.  Long Island’s combination of skill and discipline continued to impress.

1:00 PM – Philadelphia Barons 3, Fusion Steel 6

Fusion Steel’s offense erupted in their second game, with Josh Fontaine and Matthew Hawkins again at the center of it.  Philadelphia hung tough early behind goals from Pat Foy and Sean Lloyd, but Steel’s puck movement overwhelmed them in the second half.  Collin Ewald notched the insurance tally on a slick pass from Josh DiBlanda.  The win evened Fusion Steel’s record on the day.

1:40 PM – Chesapeake Baymen 2, Suffolk Sting 6

Suffolk continued their roll with another dominant showing.  Rick Seward and John Healy each contributed multi-point games while Brett Jackson added a goal and an assist.  Chesapeake found brief life with second-half markers from Bryan Canter and Ayden Staats, but Drue Santora again stood strong.  The Sting’s forecheck and quick counterattack proved too much to handle.

1:40 PM – New Jersey Assault 8, Moriches Sting 2

The Assault unleashed a statement win in their second game, showing why they sit atop the Mid-Atlantic standings.  Matt Morelli and Trevor Cear each scored twice while Anthony Gallicchio added three assists.  Moriches couldn’t slow the pace as New Jersey poured on six second-half goals.  Ed Rafferty made 24 saves to secure the decisive 8-2 result.

2:20 PM – ISCA Revolt 0, Empire State Labeda Legends 8

The Legends turned in one of the day’s most complete performances.  Aidan Ryan and Paul Valvo paced the offense with multi-point efforts, and goaltender Mike Muccio-Schrimpe earned the shutout.  Empire State’s puck possession and passing were sharp from start to finish.  The 8-0 rout reinforced their spot among the Metropolitan’s top tier.

2:20 PM – Fusion Steel 4, Chesapeake Baymen 7

After two losses, the Baymen finally broke through in an energetic offensive display.  Brett Tibbs and Ayden Staats led the way with multi-goal performances, combining for five of Chesapeake’s seven tallies.  Fusion Steel pushed back late behind Josh Fontaine’s efforts, but couldn’t overcome the deficit.  The win gave Chesapeake its first victory of the season and lifted team spirits.

3:00 PM – Suffolk Sting 2, Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 3

This one was a gritty, defensive battle that went down to the final minute.  Marple’s Nate Nunley buried the winner on a power play midway through the second half after Suffolk tied it early.  Eric Wakefield and Ryan Ferrell also scored for the Gladiators, while Brett Jackson’s two power-play goals kept the Sting close.  The victory marked an important rebound for Marple after two early setbacks.

3:00 PM – Moriches Sting 2, Fusion Blizzard 5

The Blizzard capped a strong afternoon stretch with a balanced effort.  Dan Trunk’s two goals set the pace, while Quinn Mulligan and PJ Breslow continued to produce.  Moriches got goals from Dylan Koski, but their defense couldn’t contain Fusion’s second-period surge.  Dylan Sapienza closed the game in net with several strong stops under pressure.

3:40 PM – Empire State Labeda Legends 3, New Jersey Assault 5

In a heavyweight showdown, New Jersey’s offense proved too deep.  Chris Connor and Trevor Cear each tallied twice, with Gallicchio adding two assists.  Empire State battled back behind Aidan Ryan’s scoring touch but couldn’t recover from a 4-1 deficit.  Ed Rafferty’s composure in goal helped the Assault claim their third win of the day.

3:40 PM – Long Island Empire Snipers 3, Philadelphia Barons 2

The Snipers stayed unbeaten in one of the day’s most exciting finishes.  Vinny Pontrello’s late goal completed a three-goal rally after the Barons led 2-0 at the half.  Jared Occhicone made several highlight-reel saves for Philadelphia to keep it close.  Long Island’s disciplined third period preserved a perfect record through three games.

4:20 PM – ISCA Revolt 2, Marple SK Labeda Gladiators 5

Marple closed its day with an emphatic win.  Michael Strofe scored twice while Ryan Ferrell added a pair of assists, and the Gladiators’ forecheck controlled play from start to finish.  ISCA showed effort through goals from Sean Haggerty and Jake Mastrandrea but couldn’t contain Marple’s transition game.  The Gladiators finished their day with two straight victories.

4:20 PM – Fusion Steel 4, New Jersey Assault 7

New Jersey’s balanced attack struck again with contributions from nearly every forward.  Dan Kane and Matt Morelli combined for four points, and defenseman Trevor Cear anchored both ends with a goal and an assist.  Fusion’s Josh Fontaine continued to produce offensively but the Steel defense broke down under pressure.  The Assault’s win streak extended to three.

5:00 PM – Suffolk Sting 6, Fusion Blizzard 3

The Sting closed out their day with another high-energy performance.  Rick Seward recorded a hat trick, and John Healy added two assists as Suffolk’s offense clicked early and often.  Fusion’s PJ Breslow scored twice but the Sting’s defensive core led by Sean Phelan held firm.  Suffolk finished as one of the most complete teams on the day.

5:00 PM – Moriches Sting 3, Chesapeake Baymen 2

In one of the closest games of the night, Moriches edged Chesapeake thanks to late heroics from Michael Rovinsky.  Both teams traded leads in the first half before Moriches settled in defensively.  Dylan Koski again led the charge offensively, while Danielle Speroff turned away nine shots for the win.  Chesapeake’s late push fell just short at the buzzer.

5:40 PM – Empire State Labeda Legends 2, Philadelphia Barons 3

The Barons finished strong, stunning the Legends with a come-from-behind effort.  Sean Lloyd and Ryan Sobieski led the offense while goaltender Jared Occhicone made key stops in the closing minutes.  Aidan Ryan scored both goals for Empire State but the Barons’ defensive discipline carried them to their second win of the day.  It was a satisfying end to a challenging but improving season for Philadelphia.

5:40 PM – Long Island Empire Snipers 8, ISCA Revolt 1

The Snipers capped their perfect festival with their most dominant outing.  Stephen Falkowski and Daniel Nelson each tallied multiple goals while Brett Eoviero was steady in net.  ISCA managed to break the shutout late thanks to Rocco Maniaci, but Long Island’s firepower was simply overwhelming.  The Snipers ended the event as the clear standard-bearer of the Metropolitan Division.

Team-by-Team Breakdowns 

Long Island Empire Snipers (4–0–0)

The Snipers were in championship form at Marple, sweeping all four games and extending their win streak to eight overall.  Their structured puck movement and defensive composure frustrated opponents all day.  Daniel Nelson and Stephen Falkowski led a deep offense, while Brett Eoviero turned in a near-perfect goaltending performance with just four goals allowed.  The Snipers’ chemistry and precision continue to set the bar in the Metropolitan Division.

Suffolk Sting (3–1–0)

Suffolk’s disciplined two-way game produced three commanding wins.  Rick Seward and Brett Jackson drove the scoring, while Drue Santora anchored the crease with steady play.  Their lone loss—a 3–2 nail-biter against Marple—came down to the final minutes.  Otherwise, the Sting controlled pace, positioning themselves as legitimate challengers to Long Island for the divisional crown.

New Jersey Assault (3–1–0)

The Assault again showcased their offensive firepower, cruising past Moriches and Fusion Steel while also defeating Empire State.  Trevor Cear and Matt Morelli combined for a flurry of points, while Chris Connor added leadership and consistency on both ends.  Their only setback came in the morning opener versus Suffolk.  New Jersey’s speed and balanced attack continue to keep them atop the Mid-Atlantic race.

Marple SK Labeda Gladiators (2–2–0)

The hometown Gladiators delivered a solid showing in front of the Marple faithful.  After two early losses, they rebounded impressively with victories over Suffolk and ISCA Mach 1.  Eric Wakefield’s finishing touch and Michael Strofe’s offensive instincts led the charge, while Ryan Ferrell’s two-way performance provided stability.  At 2–2–0, the Gladiators remain comfortably in the Mid-Atlantic playoff mix.

Fusion Steel (2–2–0)

Fusion Steel’s tournament was a showcase of highs and lows.  They earned strong wins over Marple and Philadelphia, powered by Matthew Hawkins and Josh Fontaine’s chemistry, but stumbled late against Chesapeake and New Jersey.  When the puck movement clicked, they looked dynamic; when defensive lapses crept in, opponents capitalized.  Still, a .500 day against strong competition keeps them firmly in playoff contention.

Fusion Blizzard (2–2–0)

The Blizzard produced two convincing wins, including a dominant 5–2 result over ISCA and a solid showing versus Moriches.  PJ Breslow and Quinn Mulligan led the way offensively, while goaltender Dylan Sapienza delivered stability across all four contests.  Fusion also pushed top-tier opponents like Empire State and Suffolk to the brink.  Their balanced attack makes them a dangerous mid-tier threat heading into Rockville.

Philadelphia Barons (2–2–0)

After a tough start to the season, the Barons found their stride in Broomall.  Wins over Moriches and Empire State were the highlights of the day, while close losses to Fusion Steel and Long Island showed their improved competitiveness.  Justin Brown’s leadership and Jared Occhicone’s timely goaltending fueled their turnaround.  Their 2–2 finish represented their most complete showing of the season thus far.

Empire State Labeda Legends (2–2–0)

Empire State began the day with a dramatic 3–2 win over Fusion Blizzard and later routed ISCA 8–0 behind a dominant performance from Aidan Ryan.  However, losses to New Jersey and Philadelphia tempered their results.  The Legends continue to showcase elite structure and skill but were caught off guard by surging Mid-Atlantic teams.  Still, their 2–2 mark keeps them firmly in playoff position.

Chesapeake Baymen (1–3–0)

The Baymen finally broke through with a 7–4 victory over Fusion Steel thanks to strong outings from Ayden Staats and Brett Tibbs.  Though they battled in every game, defensive lapses cost them valuable points.  Their 3–2 loss to Moriches was especially frustrating after a late push came up just short.  The Baymen continue to compete hard and appear poised for improvement in the second half.

Moriches Sting (1–3–0)

Moriches earned their lone win in a 3–2 decision over Chesapeake but struggled to generate consistent scoring.  Dylan Koski and Michael Rovinsky provided most of the offensive spark, while Danielle Speroff’s goaltending kept several games close.  Facing deeper, faster teams exposed their depth issues, but their compete level never wavered.  The Sting sit outside playoff position but continue to show incremental growth.

ISCA Mach 1 (0–4–0)

It was a tough day for ISCA, who faced some of the event’s toughest draws.  Despite flashes of solid play from Sean Haggerty and Jake Mastrandrea, they couldn’t convert pressure into goals.  Goaltenders Justin Teats and Tom Molinaro were tested constantly, often facing 15+ shots per game.  Their effort remains commendable, but the results underline the gap between developing and contending teams in the Semi-Pro ranks.

STARS AND STORYLINE

The Long Island Empire Snipers (4–0–0) were once again the gold standard of Semi-Pro hockey, sweeping all four games with dominant structure and balance.  Daniel Nelson was electric, scoring five times across the day, while Stephen Falkowski and Vinny Pontrello added depth scoring and two-way reliability.  Goaltender Brett Eoviero quietly posted some of the best numbers in the league, conceding just four goals in 96 minutes of play.  The Snipers’ poise and control in transition were unmatched.

The New Jersey Assault (3–1–0) carried the offensive torch for the Mid-Atlantic side, averaging over five goals per game.  Trevor Cear and Matt Morelli were a nightmare for opposing defenses, and captain Anthony Gallicchio orchestrated play with patience and pace.  New Jersey’s lone blemish—a loss to the disciplined Suffolk Sting—did little to diminish their statement weekend.

The Suffolk Sting (3–1–0) once again demonstrated why they’re perennial contenders.  Rick Seward’s scoring touch and Brett Jackson’s consistency powered an attack that scored 18 goals in four games.  Behind them, Drue Santora provided elite-level goaltending, including a 22-save shutout performance against the Assault.  Their combination of grit, structure, and special-teams success makes Suffolk a true championship threat.

The Marple SK Labeda Gladiators (2–2–0) showed heart and resilience in front of their home crowd.  After a frustrating start, they rebounded to close with strong wins over Suffolk and ISCA.  Eric Wakefield’s leadership and Michael Strofe’s offensive instincts stood out, while Ryan Ferrell’s steady defensive play kept them competitive in all four games.  The Gladiators proved again that they are among the most disciplined and well-coached teams in the Mid-Atlantic.

The Fusion Blizzard (2–2–0) found a rhythm midway through the day, led by the dynamic duo of PJ Breslow and Quinn Mulligan.  Both played with confidence and creativity, helping Fusion secure victories over ISCA and Moriches.  Their transition speed remains their greatest weapon, while goaltender Dylan Sapienza gave them a fighting chance in every contest.

The Philadelphia Barons (2–2–0) quietly pieced together one of their best performances of the season, highlighted by wins over Empire State and Moriches.  Justin Brown’s two-way play and Sean Lloyd’s finishing ability paced the offense, while Jared Occhicone delivered clutch saves in key moments.  The Barons’ defensive structure tightened considerably, hinting that a mid-season surge may be ahead.

The Empire State Labeda Legends (2–2–0) looked sharp early with wins over Fusion Blizzard and ISCA, but struggled to sustain momentum against New Jersey and Philadelphia.  Aidan Ryan was the team’s most consistent performer, finding the scoresheet in every game, and Paul Valvo contributed steady two-way minutes.  Despite two losses, Empire State remains a complete, playoff-caliber squad that can match up with any opponent.

Fusion Steel (2–2–0) flashed their offensive upside with strong wins over Marple and Philadelphia but were undone by lapses against Chesapeake and New Jersey.  Matthew Hawkins and Josh Fontaine combined for eight points on the day, and Drake Lafata anchored the defense with calm poise.  When engaged, Fusion can outscore anyone; their challenge now is maintaining consistency shift-to-shift.

The Chesapeake Baymen (1–3–0) finally earned their breakthrough win in a thrilling 7–4 decision over Fusion Steel, highlighted by a four-point effort from Ayden Staats.  Rookie Brett Tibbs added timely scoring support, while Bryan Canter’s work ethic stood out.  Though their record lagged, Chesapeake’s energy and compete level suggest that better results are ahead.

The Moriches Sting (1–3–0) played their best game late, edging Chesapeake 3–2 in a tight battle.  Dylan Koski continued to develop into a top offensive threat, and Michael Rovinsky showed clutch scoring instincts.  Defensive depth and puck management remain areas of focus, but the effort level from this young group was never in question.

Finally, ISCA Mach 1 (0–4–0) faced a grueling slate but continued to compete hard.  Sean Haggerty provided both goals in their early matchup against Fusion, and Jake Mastrandrea flashed moments of promise.  With continued experience and refinement, ISCA’s young roster should begin to see results as the season progresses.

DIVISION  ANALYSIS

METROPOLITAN Division

The Long Island Empire Snipers (12 GP, 28 pts) remain the undisputed powerhouse of the Metropolitan, now riding an eight-game win streak with a +24 goal differential.  The Suffolk Sting (12 GP, 25 pts) trail closely behind, relying on structure and goaltending to stay within striking distance.  Empire State Labeda Legends (8 GP, 15 pts) are still in strong playoff position despite recent inconsistency, while Fusion Steel (12 GP, 17 pts) remain firmly in the fourth and final playoff spot.  The Moriches Sting (12 GP, 12 pts) continue to battle through growing pains, and the East Coast Rebellion (4 GP, 10 pts) have games in hand to make a surprising late push.  With two-thirds of the regular season nearly complete, the Metropolitan playoff race is shaping up as a three-team sprint for seeding behind Long Island.

Mid-Atlantic Division

The New Jersey Assault (12 GP, 27 pts) continue to set the tone, boasting the league’s most explosive offense with 74 goals scored.  The Marple SK Labeda Gladiators (12 GP, 21 pts) remain firmly in second, gaining traction after back-to-back winning events.  The Fusion Blizzard (8 GP, 9 pts) cling to the fourth playoff position but are being closely pursued by both the Chesapeake Baymen (8 GP, 6 pts) and Philadelphia Barons (8 GP, 6 pts), each of whom showed significant improvement at Marple.  ISCA Mach 1 (12 GP, 4 pts) will need a strong second half to climb back into contention.  With just over a month until the holiday break, every game from here forward will impact the playoff picture in a crowded Mid-Atlantic field.

What’s Next

The PIHA Semi-Pro circuit returns in two weeks with a double feature of divisional festivals.  Mid-Atlantic teams will head south to Rockville Sportsplex in Maryland, while the Metropolitan Division travels north to Longplex Family & Sports Center in Rhode Island.  Both events will take place on Saturday, November 22, marking the official midpoint of the 2025–26 campaign.  With playoff positions tightening and rivalries deepening, the stakes are rising quickly across the league — and if the action at Marple was any indication, the stretch run promises to be one of the most exciting in recent PIHA Semi-Pro history.