The Orlando Solar Bears held their School Day game today, while also celebrating their mascot Shades’ birthday. The setting was lively, with the Kia Center brimming with young hockey fans and their teachers.
In their previous matchup, the Atlanta Gladiators claimed a 2-1 victory over the Solar Bears on November 6th. Since then, the Gladiators have faced another tough period. Following a five-game losing streak, Atlanta was determined to turn things around in Orlando. For the Solar Bears, they were looking to play the spoilers. They’ve also had a challenging stretch recently, losing two out of three games against the Florida Everblades. They managed to secure a win against the Jacksonville Icemen, only to fall to the Savannah Ghost Pirates on the road three days later. Despite these setbacks, Orlando was determined to put up a strong fight against the Gladiators.
Atlanta Gladiators Starting Lineup
Forwards:
- Carson Denomie
- Jackson Pierson
- Eric Neiley
Defensemen:
- Dylan Carabia
- Derek Topatigh
Goalie:
- Ethan Haider
Orlando Solar Bears Starting Lineup
Forwards:
- Ara Nazarian
- Jack Adams
- Alex Frye
Defensemen:
- Tyson Feist
- Chris Harpur
Goalie:
- Alexis Gravel
First Period:
In the first period, Atlanta’s Eric Neiley put the Gladiators on the board first, scoring the only goal of the frame on a power play, assisted by C. Sylvester and D. Topatigh.
Later, Neiley engaged in a fight with Djibril Touré, earning both players 5 penalty minutes. Goalie Ethan Haider was solid for the Gladiators, stopping all 16 shots he faced. For Orlando, Brayden Low and Alex Frye each took minor penalties, in addition to Djibril Touré’s major penalty for fighting. Goalie Alexis Gravel made nine saves on 10 shots.
Shots on Goal:
- Atlanta: 7
- Orlando: 11
Goals:
- Atlanta: E. Neiley at 11:40, assisted by C. Sylvester and D. Topatigh on a power play
Penalties:
- Orlando:
- B. Low: 2 minutes for tripping at 5:31
- A. Frye: 2 minutes for kneeing at 10:27
- D. Touré: 5 minutes for fighting at 17:59
- Atlanta:
- E. Neiley: 5 minutes for fighting at 17:59
Second Period:
In the second period, both teams played a tight defensive game, resulting in no goals. Atlanta managed 9 shots on goal, while Orlando had 10. The period saw only one penalty, with Atlanta’s D. Carabia receiving a 2-minute minor for slashing at 16:44, which Atlanta’s PK unit successfully killed. Despite the efforts from both sides, the score remained unchanged, keeping the game competitive and intense as we headed into the third period.
Shots on Goal:
- Atlanta: 9
- Orlando: 10
Penalties:
- Atlanta: D. Carabia: 2 minutes for slashing at 16:44
Third Period: Christian Hausinger made some strong early shots on Gravel after Tyler Bird was called for hooking. Orlando successfully killed the penalty. At 7:25, Andrew Jarvis netted his second goal of the season, assisted by Patriks Marcinkevics and Carson Denomie, giving the Gladiators a 2-0 lead.
Derek Topatigh scored his first goal of the season at 8:58, assisted by PJ Fletcher and Easton Armstrong, putting the Gladiators ahead 3-0.
Chris Harpur received a 2-minute minor penalty for interference at 11:21. Wyatt Wilson was penalized with a 2-minute minor for slashing and a 10-minute misconduct at 11:58, with Kelly Bent serving the penalties. The Gladiators were penalized for holding the stick, a call made on Armstrong, but successfully killed off the penalty. Orlando pulled their goalie for an extra attacker, but Joey Cipollone took advantage of the empty net and scored the Gladiators’ fourth goal at 17:55. In the final moments, Denomie and Hausinger chased down the puck, securing Haider’s second professional shutout.
Shots on Goal:
- Gladiators: 17
- Orlando: 12
Goals:
- Atlanta: A. Jarvis (2) at 7:25, assisted by P. Marcinkevics and C. Denomie
- Atlanta: D. Topatigh (1) at 8:58, assisted by R. Cranford and E. Armstrong
- Atlanta: J. Cipollone (6) at 17:55 (EN)
Penalties:
- Gladiators: E. Armstrong: 2 minutes for holding the stick at 15:06
Game Summary
Final Score: Gladiators 4, Orlando 0
Shots on Goal:
- Atlanta: 33
- Orlando: 33
Power Play:
- Atlanta: 1/5
- Orlando: 0/2
Penalties Per Team:
- Atlanta: 9 minutes / 3 infractions
- Orlando: 25 minutes / 7 infractions
Goalies:
- Atlanta: E. Haider: 33 saves on 33 shots (shutout)
- Orlando: A. Gravel: 29 saves on 32 shots; Empty Net: 1 goal against
Three Stars:
- E. Haider (ATL) – Outstanding performance with a shutout, making 33 saves.
- E. Neiley (ATL) – Scored the opening goal and contributed significantly to the team’s success by setting the pace.
- D. Topatigh (ATL) – Scored a goal and added an assist.
Overall Game Highlights:
Atlanta dominated the game with strong defensive play and effective penalty killing. Goalie Ethan Haider earned a shutout with 33 saves, showcasing an outstanding performance in the net. Eric Neiley, Andrew Jarvis, Derek Topatigh, and Joey Cipollone each scored for Atlanta, contributing to the 4-0 victory. Despite Orlando’s efforts, they struggled to capitalize on their scoring opportunities and power plays, ultimately falling short. The Gladiators’ solid defense and timely goals had ultimately secured their win.
