Game Details
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Puck Drops: 7:00 PM EST
Location: Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia
Where to Watch/Listen
Tune in to FloHockey or listen live on the respective broadcast networks to catch all the action!
TV/Streaming: FloHockey
Listen Live: Atlanta Gladiators Broadcast Network
Listen Live: Orlando Solar Bears Broadcast Network
Team Standings and Recent Performance
Get ready for an electrifying southern showdown as the Orlando Solar Bears take on the Atlanta Gladiators! The Solar Bears are riding high on a six-game winning streak, thanks to stellar performances from key players like goaltender Alexis Gravel and forward Jaydon Dureau. With a strong record of 19-16-5, Orlando is looking to continue their hot streak and climb higher in the division standings.
On the other side, the Atlanta Gladiators are eager to build on their recent win after a thrilling 5-3 victory against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Currently holding a 17-17-3 record, the Gladiators are determined to break Orlando’s winning streak and start one of their own. Key players like Cody Sylvester, who recently scored a hat-trick, and goaltenders Ethan Haider and Drew DeRidder will be crucial in this high-stakes matchup.
Orlando Solar Bears
The Orlando Solar Bears are coming off a strong performance, having secured a 2-0 victory against the Jacksonville Icemen. This win places them 4th in their division with a record of 19-16-5, totaling 43 points and a points percentage of 0.538. The team has been on a hot streak, winning their last six games and boasting a 6-3-1-0 record in their last ten games. Key players for Orlando include goaltender Alexis Gravel, who recorded a shutout in the last game, stopping all 26 shots. Gravel has been a cornerstone for the team with a season stats of 2.36 goals against average (GAA) and a .910 save percentage (SV%). Gravel returned from his PTO on January 14th. Forward Jaydon Dureau has also been instrumental, scoring both goals in the last game and accumulating 31 points in 40 games this season. Aaron Luchuk, another key forward, has contributed significantly with 31 points in 36 games. Other notable players include Spencer Kersten, who has 31 points in 38 games, and Tyler Bird, who has 22 points in 39 games. Orlando’s strengths lie in their strong goaltending and effective power play, making them a formidable opponent.
Goaltending
Ryan Fanti has played 19 games this season, with a goals against average (GAA) of 2.88 and a save percentage (SV%) of .901. Over 1103 minutes, he has achieved 8 wins, 10 losses, and one overtime loss, facing 538 shots and allowing 53 goals.
Alexis Gravel has been in the net for Orlando for 18 games, showcasing a goals against average (GAA) of 2.18 and a save percentage (SV%) of .936. Over 1071 minutes, he has achieved eight wins, five losses, and four overtime losses, facing 607 shots and allowing 39 goals.
Atlanta Gladiators
The Atlanta Gladiators are looking to build on their recent success after a 5-3 victory against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Currently 6th in their division, Atlanta has a record of 17-17-3, totaling 38 points and a points percentage of 0.500. The team has a balanced performance in their last ten games with a 5-5-0-0 record and is on a one-game winning streak. Key players for Atlanta include forward Cody Sylvester, who scored a hat-trick in the last game and has 33 points in 38 games this season. Easton Armstrong has also been a key contributor with 20 points in 38 games. Other notable players include Eric Neiley, who has 25 points in 31 games, and Blake Murray, who has 22 points in 32 games. Atlanta’s strengths are their strong offensive performance, particularly in the third period, and their effective power play, which has been crucial in their recent games.
Goaltending
Ethan Haider has played 22 games this season, with a goals against average (GAA) of 2.67 and a save percentage (SV%) of .907. Over 1282 minutes, he has achieved 13 wins and seven losses facing 613 shots and allowing 57 goals. He also has one shootout win and a shootout loss.
Drew DeRidder has participated in 17 games, showcasing a solid yet challenging performance. He recorded a goals against average (GAA) of 3.18, indicating a moderate level of defensive effectiveness. His save percentage stood at .901, reflecting his ability to stop a significant number of shots, with a total of 515 shots faced throughout the season. Over the course of 961 minutes on the ice, he achieved 4 wins, but faced difficulties, resulting in 9 losses and 3 overtime losses. Overall, he allowed 51 goals against, which highlights the competitive nature of the games played.
Key Players
Key Players to Watch: Orlando
Jaydon Dureau: Scored both goals in the last game, with 31 points in 40 games.
Aaron Luchuk: Contributed 31 points in 36 games.
Spencer Kersten: 31 points in 38 games.
Tyler Bird: 22 points in 39 games.
Key Players to Watch: Atlanta Gladiators
Cody Sylvester: Leading the team with 33 points (14G, 19A) in 38 games.
Easton Armstrong: 20 points in 38 games.
Eric Neiley: 25 points in 31 games.
Blake Murray: 22 points in 32 games.
The upcoming game between the Orlando Solar Bears and the Atlanta Gladiators is set to be an exhilarating matchup. The goaltending duel will be pivotal in deciding the game’s outcome, as both teams are coming off impressive performances from their goalies. Jaydon Dureau for Orlando and Cody Sylvester for Atlanta are both in excellent form and will pose significant offensive challenges. Additionally, special teams will be crucial, with Orlando’s power play going up against Atlanta’s penalty kill. This match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, as both teams aim to maintain their winning momentum.
Prediction:
While the Orlando Solar Bears have been on a six-game winning streak, the Atlanta Gladiators have the potential to snap this streak and start their own. Atlanta’s recent victory against Cincinnati showcased their offensive capabilities, particularly with Cody Sylvester’s hat-trick performance. If Atlanta can maintain their strong offensive play and capitalize on their power play opportunities, they could overcome Orlando’s strong goaltending. However, a key concern for Atlanta will be to keep momentum throughout all 60 minutes of play, as Orlando is likely to come out hot and fast on the puck. With Evan Haider’s solid performance in goal and the team’s offensive depth, Atlanta has the defensive strength to challenge Orlando. Additionally, if Drew DeRidder starts in net for Atlanta, his ability to make crucial saves could provide an extra boost for the Gladiators. We predict a closely contested game with the Atlanta Gladiators edging out the victory, potentially with a scoreline of 2-1.
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