Playoff Series Preview: Assault vs Mach 1

The Mid-Atlantic Semi-Pro playoffs head to Marple Sports Arena as the top-seeded New Jersey Assault take on the fourth-seeded ISCA Mach 1 in a best-of-three semifinal matchup.

New Jersey enters the postseason as the division’s top seed after a strong finish, while ISCA Mach 1 looks to play spoiler and extend their season. With a berth in the Mid-Atlantic Division Final on the line, every game will carry playoff urgency.

📅 Series Schedule — Marple Sports Arena

🕘 Game 1: February 21, 2026 – 4:15 PM
🕘 Game 2: February 21, 2026 – 6:30 PM
🕘 Game 3 (If Necessary): February 21, 2026 – 8:45 PM

The winner advances to the Mid-Atlantic Division Final on Sunday, February 22.

🟡 New Jersey Assault (1st Seed)

Regular Season Record: 9-11-0

Head-to-Head This Season

• Won 5–1
• Won 11–4

The Assault swept the season series and bring one of the most dynamic blue lines in the division into the postseason.

Offensive Leaders

• Chris Connor — 43 pts (22G, 21A, D)

• Trevor Cear — 41 pts (D)

• Anthony Gallicchio — 32 pts

• Tom Russo — 30 pts

• Matt Morelli — 29 pts

Few teams generate offense from the back end like New Jersey. Connor and Cear drive transition, quarterback the power play, and create constant offensive pressure.

Goaltending

• Anthony Gizzi: 2.85 GAA, .801 SV%, 2 SO

• Ed Rafferty: 3.13 GAA

🔑 Key to Victory:
Blue-line driven offense and puck movement. When the Assault control possession and activate their defense, they dictate tempo.

⚠️ Potential Weakness:
Game management. High-event games can occasionally open up defensively.

🔵 ISCA Mach 1 (4th Seed)

Regular Season Record: 7-13-0

ISCA Mach 1 enters as the underdog but possesses several players capable of changing a game quickly.

Offensive Leaders

• Sean Haggerty — 15 pts

• Justin Tiso — 14 pts

• Chris Cromwell — 13 pts

• Rocco Maniaci — 9 pts

• Nick Dahdah — 8 pts (D)

Mach 1’s offense relies on opportunistic scoring and quick transition play.

Goaltending

• Justin Teats: 5.44 GAA, .711 SV%

• Tom Molinaro: 5.84 GAA

🔑 Key to Victory:
Defensive discipline and capitalizing on scoring chances. Limiting New Jersey’s blue-line activation will be critical.

⚠️ Potential Weakness:
Containing high-powered offenses and sustaining defensive pressure.

🔚 What to Expect

This semifinal pits the division’s top seed against a determined underdog in a classic playoff contrast.

New Jersey’s offensive depth and strong goaltending make them the team to beat, while ISCA Mach 1 will aim to slow the pace and capitalize on limited opportunities. With a trip to the Mid-Atlantic Division Final at stake, expect a fast-paced and physical series.