ECHL Game Recap: Atlanta Gladiators vs Orlando Solar Bears | 02/19/2025

Welcome to our recap of the matchup between the Atlanta Gladiators and the Orlando Solar Bears at the Kia Center! Both teams were eager to secure a victory as they battled it out on the ice. The Gladiators, led by standout players like Randy Hernández and Blake Murray, were looking to climb the standings and close the gap to a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Solar Bears, with key contributions from players like Kelly Bent and Jake Chiasson, aimed to defend their home ice and gain crucial points.

Here was our Game Preview:

Period 1

The game started with a lot of physicality and fights between the two South Division teams. Early in the game, Dylan Carabia and Brayden Lowe got into a fight, leading to penalties for both. Dominiks Marcinkevics received two minor penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and roughing at 2:00. Brayden Lowe also received two minor penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct and roughing at 2:00. Shortly after, another fight broke out between Dylan Carabia and Tyler Bird, with Carabia landing some strong punches. Both Carabia and Bird received major penalties for fighting at 2:31. The penalty box quickly filled up with players from both teams, including Chris Harpur, who received a minor penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct at 3:14.

Although the game began with some rough moments, it quickly turned into an intense battle as the Gladiators attempted to capitalize on a power play. However, they faced strong resistance from the Solar Bears’ defense. Zach Yoder opted not to engage in a fight provoked by the Solar Bears, while Derek Topatigh took command of the power play for Atlanta.

At 14:06 of the first period, Randy Hernández scored his 10th goal of the season for Atlanta, assisted by Blake Murray and Dominiks Marcinkevics, giving Atlanta a 1-0 lead.

However, Orlando quickly responded. Just 29 seconds later, at 14:35, Kelly Bent scored his 2nd goal of the season for Orlando, assisted by Jake Chiasson, tying the game at 1-1.

Anthony Firriolo moved the puck behind the net to Jack Adams, who tried to clear it out of the trapezoid. Blake Murray kept it in the zone, and Chris Harpur maintained the pressure. Randy Hernández attempted to pass from behind the net but was intercepted by Harpur, who cleared the puck.

With 8:26 left in the first period, Brenden Datema delivered a huge hit, leading to a delayed penalty. The Solar Bears cycled the puck, and Ben Carroll set up a chance for Kris Myllari, who hit the post. The penalty was ultimately called on Datema for interference, making Atlanta shorthanded for the first time in the game. Andrew Jarvis made a strong defensive play, clearing the puck out of the zone. Hudson Thornton intercepted a pass while the Gladiators were short-handed. The Gladiators successfully killed off the penalty, with strong defensive plays and an intercepted pass by the Solar Bears.

The game continued with both teams exchanging chances and physical play. Hudson Thornton made a move down the far wall, and the Solar Bears created a scoring chance, but the puck was cleared. The Gladiators’ defense, including players like Derek Topatigh and Chris Harpur, remained strong, preventing further goals.

The game got chippy with players like Alex Frye and Dylan Carabia colliding and calling for penalties. The Gladiators’ goaltender, Drew DeRidder, made a crucial save. The Gladiators and Solar Bears continued to battle, with both teams generating scoring opportunities but unable to break the tie.

The period ended with the score tied at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the game into the middle frame.

Penalties:

1. Atlanta: Daniels Marcinkevics – Unsportsmanlike conduct (2 min) at 2:00
2. Atlanta: Daniels Marcinkevics – Roughing (2 min) at 2:00
3. Orlando: Brayden Low – Unsportsmanlike conduct (2 min) at 2:00
4. Orlando: Brayden Low – Roughing (2 min) at 2:00
5. Atlanta: Dylan Carabia – Fighting (5 min) at 2:31
6. Orlando: Tyler Bird – Fighting (5 min) at 2:31
7. Orlando: Chris Harpur – Unsportsmanlike conduct (2 min) at 3:14
8. Atlanta: B. Datema – Interference (2 min) at 11:34

Both teams had a total of 11 penalty minutes each in the first period.

Period 2

Blake Murray, who had assisted on Randy Hernández’s goal in the first period, fired a deep puck that was cleared by the Solar Bears. Jarrett Lee of the Solar Bears made a notable play but was neutralized by the Gladiators’ defense. A significant save by Ryan Fanti through traffic kept the game tight.

At 2:31, Dylan Carabia and Tyler Bird exchanged shots, showcasing the physical nature of the game these two teams were playing. Shortly after, at 3:24, Tyson Feist of Orlando received a two-minute penalty for slashing. The only goal of the period came at 6:18 when Ryan Verrier capitalized on a rebound to put Orlando ahead 2-1. The assists on this goal were credited to Andrew Coxhead and Jake Chiasson.

Later in the period, at 11:39, Chris Harpur of Orlando was penalized for cross-checking, receiving a two-minute penalty. The Gladiators struggled to capitalize on their power plays, with Orlando’s penalty kill proving effective. Orlando’s defense, particularly players like Ben Carroll and Chris Harpur, played crucial roles in maintaining their lead.

The period ended with the Gladiators attempting to push the pace but often being intercepted by Orlando. The period was marked by strong defensive plays, physicality, and a crucial goal that gave Orlando the lead. The Gladiators will need to regroup and find a way to break through Orlando’s defense in the final period.

Period 3

In the third period, the Atlanta Gladiators and the Orlando Solar Bears continued their intense battle. The period started with both teams looking to gain the upper hand. Atlanta had a strong offensive sequence early on, but Orlando’s defense held firm.

Randy Hernández made a notable play, turning at the left circle and sending a rink-wide pass to Chad Nychuk, whose shot was blocked. Blake Murray also had a drive that was blocked by a Solar Bears defender. The Gladiators’ strong offensive push was evident, but they had to retreat and regroup.

Tyler Bird of Orlando attempted a sharp-angle shot off the helmet of Drew DeRidder, who made sure his helmet was still in place. Orlando’s defense, led by players like Chris Harpur and Tyson Feist, continued to be effective in clearing the puck and preventing Atlanta from capitalizing on their chances.

At 4:44 into the third period, Chad Nychuk scored the game-tying goal for Atlanta, assisted by Randy Hernández and Dominiks Marcinkevics. This goal brought the game to a 2-2 tie, energizing the Gladiators.

The Gladiators kept the pressure on, with several close chances, including a near “lacrosse-style” goal attempt by Randy Hernández that hit the crossbar. Orlando also had their opportunities, but DeRidder made crucial saves to keep the game tied.

As the period progressed, both teams had their moments of control, but neither could break the deadlock. The game remained tied at 2-2, leading to an intense final few minutes. With 11.6 seconds left in regulation, Orlando had an offensive zone faceoff, but Atlanta managed to hold on, forcing the game into overtime.

The third period was marked by strong defensive plays, physicality, and a crucial game-tying goal by Chad Nychuk. Both teams fought hard, but the game remained tied, setting the stage for an exciting overtime period.

Overtime

In the overtime period, the Atlanta Gladiators and the Orlando Solar Bears continued their intense battle. Orlando, known for playing many overtime games this season, started with Jackson Pierson, Randy Hernández, and Blake Murray on the ice for Atlanta, while Drew DeRidder remained in goal.

Early in the overtime, Chad Nychuk had a shot saved by Ryan Fanti. The Gladiators maintained possession and created several scoring opportunities, but Fanti made crucial saves to keep the game tied. Chris Harpur of Orlando controlled the puck well, but Atlanta’s persistent pressure kept the game competitive.

Simon Boyko had a notable chance but missed high. Jeremy Hanzel and Carson Denomie also had opportunities, but their shots were blocked or saved. The Gladiators continued to dominate possession, but Orlando’s defense held strong.

As the overtime progressed, both teams had their chances. Drew DeRidder made several spectacular saves, including stopping a two-on-one breakaway by Orlando. The game saw end-to-end action with both teams coming close to scoring the game-winner.

With under a minute left in overtime, Derek Topatigh scored the game-winning goal for Atlanta, securing a 3-2 victory. The Gladiators’ persistence paid off, and DeRidder’s outstanding performance in goal was crucial in their win.

Three Stars of the Game:

1. Derek Topatigh (Atlanta) – Scored the game-winning goal in overtime, a clutch performance for Atlanta.
2. Randy Hernández (Atlanta) – Contributed a goal and an assist, playing a key role in Atlanta’s offense.
3. Ryan Fanti (Orlando) – Made several crucial saves throughout the game for Orlando.

Game Summary

The Atlanta Gladiators secured a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against the Orlando Solar Bears at the Kia Center. Derek Topatigh scored the game-winning goal in overtime, with assists from Jackson Pierson and Blake Murray. Randy Hernández and Chad Nychuk also scored for Atlanta, while Kelly Bent and Ryan Verrier found the net for Orlando. Drew DeRidder made crucial saves to help secure the win.

With Atlanta’s overtime win, they earn two much-needed points, bringing their total to 51 points. Orlando, having lost in overtime, earns a single point, bringing their total to 64 points. This tightens the race in the standings, with Atlanta looking to build on this momentum and close the gap further.