Division Semi-Finals Recap: Scream Rebound

The Susquehanna Scream fought back in Game 2 of their Keystone Division Semi-Finals matchup to claim a hard-earned 5-3 victory over the Marple SK Labeda Gladiators, tying the series at 1-1 and setting up a decisive Game 3.

Division Semi-Finals Game 1 Recap: Gladiators Steal the Win in Overtime

Game 1 was as tight as expected, with the Marple Gladiators rallying back from a two-goal deficit to force overtime and take a 3-2 win on home turf.

Key Performances:

• Don Susini (Marple): Two goals in regulation to pull the Gladiators even.
• Jack Phelan (Marple): Assisted both of Susini’s goals and netted the overtime winner on the power play.
• Erik Balthaser (Scream): A goal and an assist, continuing his dominance as one of the league’s top offensive players.

The Gladiators started slow, with the Scream taking a 2-0 lead thanks to first-period goals by Balthaser and John Zelko. However, Susini took over in the second period, scoring twice to send the game to overtime. With the Scream down a man in OT, Phelan capitalized, firing home a pinpoint shot to secure the victory.

Final Score: Gladiators 3, Scream 2 (OT)

Division Semi-Finals Game 2 Recap: Scream Respond Strongly

Facing elimination, the Scream delivered a composed and disciplined performance to win 5-3 in Game 2. Their offense was powered by standout performances from Balthaser and Danny Nguyen, while goalie Jarrett Snare stood tall, stopping 19 of 22 shots.

Key Performances:

• Erik Balthaser (Scream): Two goals and an assist, including the game-opening tally.
• Danny Nguyen (Scream): A goal and an assist to help pad the lead.
• Jarrett Snare (Scream): Stopped 19 of 22 shots, providing consistency in net.

The Gladiators looked strong early, with goals from Jeff Horner and Jack Phelan keeping the game tied 2-2 midway through the second. However, the Scream surged ahead with three unanswered goals, including a power-play marker from Dave Yovic, to put the game out of reach.

Final Score: Scream 5, Gladiators 3

Key Storylines Heading Into Game 3

This series has been a showcase of the parity within the Keystone Minor Division. Both teams have shown resilience and the ability to adapt, making the decisive Game 3 a must-watch.

• Goalie Rotations: The Gladiators have alternated goalies between Millard Worslyo and Andrew Sharkus, while the Scream have relied solely on Jarrett Snare. It will be interesting to see if the Scream stick with Snare or surprise with backup Bryan Henry in Game 3.
• Balthaser vs. Susini: Both teams’ star players—Erik Balthaser for the Scream and Don Susini for the Gladiators—have been pivotal in the series. Whichever player steps up in Game 3 could be the difference-maker.

What’s Next?

Game 3 is set for later today, with the winner advancing to face either the Pottstown Rink Rat Iron Knights or Steel City Shockwave in tomorrow’s Division Final. With the division proving to be as unpredictable as ever, the intensity is only going to rise.

Series Tied 1-1