Date & Time: Friday: December 13, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Venue: Gas South Arena
Where to Watch/Listen
TV/Streaming: FloHockey
Listen Live: Atlanta Gladiators Broadcast Network
Listen Live: Jacksonville Icemen Broadcast Network
Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster
The Atlanta Gladiators are set to face off against the Jacksonville Icemen in what promises to be an exciting matchup on December 13, 2024 on Atlanta’s home ice. This game is particularly special as it features the annual Teddy Bear Toss event, where fans throw stuffed animals onto the ice after the Gladiators’ first goal, all of which are donated to local charities. Both teams are looking to leverage their recent performances to secure a win and improve their standings in the South Division.
News & Notes
Atlanta Gladiators
The Atlanta Gladiators are coming off a thrilling 4-3 victory against the South Carolina Stingrays on December 11. This win is a significant boost for the team, demonstrating their ability to compete with top-tier opponents. Despite their current position at 7th in the South Division, the Gladiators have continued to show determination. Their strong penalty kill and recent form, including a 5-3-1-1 record in the last 10 games, indicate that they are capable of turning their season around. However, they need to address their inconsistent offense to continue to make their climb up the standings. The Icemen have had the upper hand in their matchups so far, winning three out of the four games played between these two teams. The Gladiators will be looking to improve that record on Friday night.
Power Play: The Gladiators have struggled on the power play, ranking 28th overall with a 10.4% success rate. At home, their power play is slightly better at 16.3%.
Penalty Kill: Atlanta’s penalty kill is ranked 24th overall with a 79.0% success rate. At home, they have an 81.1% success rate, so maintaining discipline and avoiding penalties will be key to not overburdening their penalty kill unit.
Jacksonville Icemen
The Jacksonville Icemen continue to solidify their position in the South Division, currently sitting at 3rd place. Their recent 3-1 win over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on December 11 highlights their consistent scoring ability and strong defensive play. With a record of 12-7-2 and a win percentage of 61.9%, the Icemen are in a strong position to challenge for the top spots in the division. However, they need to improve their power play performance and discipline to avoid frequent shorthanded situations. Their robust penalty kill remains a key strength as they prepare to face the Gladiators.
Power Play: The Icemen’s power play is also an area of concern, ranking 26th overall with a 13.7% success rate. At home, their power play is particularly weak at 7.0%, but it improves on the road to 23.3%. They will need to capitalize on any power play opportunities they get tomorrow night/
Penalty Kill: Jacksonville’s penalty kill is stronger, ranked 13th overall with an 83.3% success rate. However, on the road, it dips to 78.9%. Their ability to kill penalties effectively may be an area of concern for Atlanta.
Key Players & Matchups
Atlanta Gladiators
Eric Neiley (#59) is the Gladiators’ leading scorer with 15 points (6 goals, 9 assists) in 18 games. His ability to create scoring opportunities and capitalize on them makes him a significant threat for the Icemen. Neiley has been on fire, recording eight assists over six games since November 23rd. Cody Sylvester (#16) has 14 points (6 goals, 8 assists) in 23 games. His contributions on the power play (3 PPG) are significant for the Gladiators. Blake Murray (#92), with 10 points (3g, 7a) in 17 games, can be a game-changer with his playmaking abilities and offensive contributions. Drew DeRidder (#34) has also been a key player in goal, with a 3.07 GAA and a .899 save percentage in 11 games. DeRidder’s performance against the Jacksonville Icemen will be crucial for the Atlanta Gladiators. However, facing the Icemen, who have several strong offensive players like Davis Koch and Christopher Brown, will be a significant test. Ethan Haider (#31) has been solid in goal with a 2.40 GAA and a .916 save percentage in 13 games. He was in net against South Carolina, so it is expected that Drew DeRidder will be between the pipes on Friday given that the Gladiators will face the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Saturday.
Jacksonville Icemen
Davis Koch (#39) has been a standout for the Icemen with 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 21 games. His playmaking abilities and offensive contributions are vital for the team. Christopher Brown (#10) is a key offensive player with 14 points (8g, 6a) in 21 games. His scoring consistency and leadership on the ice make him a significant threat. Zach Jordan (#19) has 13 points (6g, 7a in 21 games so far. His physical presence and ability to score in key moments is an asset for the Icemen. Garrett Van Wyhe (#51), with 12 points (2 g, 10a) in 19 games, provides versatility and depth. His defensive skills and ability to transition play are essential for the team’s success. Justen Close (#30), as the goaltender, has been pivotal in the Icemen’s defensive strategy with a 2.27 GAA and a .920 save percentage in nine games. His ability to make key saves under pressure will be crucial in the upcoming game if he finds himself manning the net.
Possible Strategies
For the Atlanta Gladiators:
- Capitalize on Power Plays: With Cody Sylvester’s effectiveness on the power play, the Gladiators should focus on drawing penalties and maximizing their power play opportunities. However, it’s important to note that the team’s success rate in this area needs improvement, as Sylvester cannot carry the load alone.
- Strong Defensive Play: Given the Icemen’s offensive threats like Davis Koch and Christopher Brown, the Gladiators need to tighten their defense, especially around the net, to limit high-quality scoring chances.
- Goaltending Excellence: Drew DeRidder will need to be at his best. as solid goaltending will be crucial in keeping the Icemen’s offense in check.
- Physical Play: Using their physical presence to disrupt the Icemen’s offensive flow can help the Gladiators gain control of the game.
For the Jacksonville Icemen:
- Pressure the Goalie: With both DeRidder’s and Haider’s having solid performances, the Icemen should focus on creating traffic in front of the net and taking high-quality shots to challenge the goaltender.
- Disciplined Play: Avoiding unnecessary penalties will be key, as the Gladiators have players who can capitalize on power plays and are one of the lowest in the league in penalties themselves.
- Utilize Speed and Agility: Players like Logan Cockerill and Christopher Brown should use their speed to create scoring opportunities and keep the Gladiators’ defense on their heels.
- Balanced Attack: Spreading the offensive load across multiple lines will make it harder for the Gladiators to focus on shutting down any single player.
This upcoming game between the Atlanta Gladiators and the Jacksonville Icemen is set to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have shown strengths and weaknesses that will play a crucial role in the outcome. The Gladiators will aim to build on their recent victory and home advantage, while the Icemen look to maintain their strong position in the division. Fans can expect an exciting game filled with competitive spirit and the heartwarming Teddy Bear Toss event.
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