Playoff Series Preview: Marple Gladiators vs Susquehanna Scream

by Anthony Flynn

The #2 seed Marple SK Labeda Gladiators will clash with the #3 seed Susquehanna Scream in the Keystone Division Minor semi-finals, renewing what has become one of the league’s most intense playoff rivalries. While Marple has historically dominated the regular season series, the Scream have eliminated them from the playoffs in each of the last two seasons. This year, with both teams retooled and hungry for success, the stakes are even higher as the winner advances to the Keystone Division Final.

Regular Season Matchups

  • Oct. 5: Marple 4, Susquehanna 3
  • Oct. 26: Susquehanna 3, Marple 2
  • Nov. 23: Marple 6, Susquehanna 3

Marple holds the edge in this year’s regular season meetings, winning two of three games. However, each game was tightly contested, with Susquehanna showing their ability to hang with the Gladiators’ high-powered offense.

Team Breakdown

Marple SK Labeda Gladiators

The Gladiators enter the series with a mix of offensive firepower and a deeper, more balanced roster than in previous years. After falling to the Scream in last season’s divisional playoffs, the team made key offseason additions to strengthen its lineup. Despite finishing as the second seed, Marple is determined to break through against their playoff nemesis.

  • Top Players:

    • Don Susini (#15, F): The team’s offensive catalyst with 32 points (21 goals, 11 assists). Losing Susini early in last year’s series was a major blow, but his presence this year makes Marple a different team.
    • Jack Phelan (#70, F): A new addition who contributed 15 points in just 12 games, providing an additional scoring option.
    • Anthony Amato (#2, D): A steady two-way defenseman with 12 points, Amato is critical to the Gladiators’ defensive stability.

  • Goaltending:

    • Andrew Sharkus (#30): Posted a 2.60 GAA and .808 save percentage, proving reliable in net.
    • Millard Worslyo (#1): Shares the crease with Sharkus, maintaining a 2.78 GAA and .802 save percentage.

The Gladiators’ newfound depth could be the difference-maker this season, but they will need to match the Scream’s scoring firepower while keeping their composure in high-pressure moments.

Susquehanna Scream

The Scream have been a consistent playoff threat, and this year is no exception. Their biggest move of the season was acquiring Erik Balthaser, who immediately became the league’s leading scorer and has transformed their offense into one of the most dangerous in the division. The Scream’s playoff pedigree and top-end talent make them a serious threat to end Marple’s season for the third straight year.

  • Top Players:

    • Erik Balthaser (#97, D): The league’s leading scorer with a jaw-dropping 53 points (19 goals, 34 assists). His ability to generate offense from the blue line will be a nightmare for Marple to contain.
    • Jay Mazer (#1, D): The team’s second-highest scorer with 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists), providing another potent offensive weapon.
    • Danny Nguyen (#11, D): Contributed 24 points and plays a critical role on both ends of the rink.

  • Goaltending:

    • Bryan Henry (#35): Led the Scream in wins and posted a 4.12 GAA and .766 save percentage.
    • Jarrett Snare (#18): Another capable option in net with similar stats to Henry.

The Scream’s success will depend on how well their dynamic offense, led by Balthaser, can break through Marple’s defense and whether their goaltending can hold off the Gladiators’ attack.

Key Storylines

  1. Playoff History: The Scream have ended Marple’s playoff runs in back-to-back years. Can the Gladiators finally get over the hump and exact their revenge?
  2. Erik Balthaser’s Impact: The league’s top scorer will be the focal point of the series. If Marple can’t slow him down, it could be a short series.
  3. Depth vs. Star Power: Marple has a deeper bench with balanced scoring, while the Scream lean heavily on their top players. Which approach will prevail?
  4. Goaltending Matchup: Neither team has elite goaltending numbers, but a hot streak from one of the four goalies could tip the series.

Series Outlook

This matchup feels like a coin flip. Marple has the edge in depth and enters the series with something to prove, but Susquehanna’s top-end talent has a history of stepping up in big moments. The Gladiators need to stay disciplined, shut down Balthaser, and find ways to capitalize on their offensive depth to avoid a repeat of the last two postseasons.