The Atlanta Gladiators were back in action Friday night as they took on the Savannah Ghost Pirates. It was another theme night for the team as they went to the DC universe with “Joker Night.” If you’re familiar with the DC universe, you might recognize this quote from Batman: “I have one power; I never give up.” This theme has echoed throughout this season for a team that strongly resonates with it as the season has evolved. The team has often battled to get the puck luck on their side but one thing has remained, they are unyielding.
Friday night’s game saw the lineup of Luke Prokop, Griffin Luce, Jackson Pierson, Reece Vitelli, and Micah Miller for the Atlanta Gladiators. Tyler Harmon and Mitch Fossier both remained on IR. Josh Boyko would defend the net for the Gladiators. Savannah’s Jesper Vikman stands between the pipes for the Ghost Pirates.
Period 1
The Ghost Pirates attempted to strike fast and early but the net was well defended by Boyko. However, Atlanta heads to the PK after Calisti gets called for holding and the Ghost Pirates took advantage as Simon Pinard got the shot over the shoulder of Boyko (2:16). The score is 1-0 in favor of Savannah.
Kennedy, with a direct shot on the net but it was stopped. The Ghost Pirates Alex Swetlikoff would get the delayed penalty for boarding, and the Gladiators headed to the PP. Moments later, a shot by the Gladiators took the bounce off the bar, and the officials reviewed the play. The initial call on the ice was no goal, which stood after that review was concluded.
Later, the Gladiators attempted a sneaky drop-in attack, but Vikman blocked their move. The Ghost Pirates have had the momentum since early in the period, yet the Gladiators tried to adapt and worked on moving the puck out of their zone. Unfortunately, Keltie Jeri-Leon of the Ghost Pirates sends a puck past Boyko, bringing the score to 2-0 in favor of Savannah at 12:56.
The Gladiators received a penalty, and Zach Yoder was sent to the sin bin for cross-checking. Consequently, the Gladiators headed to the penalty kill. Pinard takes a shot at Boyko but missed the net on the deflection. Later, the Ghost Pirates put up their third goal of the first frame, as Savannah’s Noah Carroll scores (17:41).
The Gladiators encountered continuing challenges in executing offensive moves this period, as they rushed towards Savannah’s goal as time ran out. The period ended with the score standing at 3-0 in favor of the Ghost Pirates.
Period 1 – Shots on Goal:
Atlanta – 5
Savannah – 15
Period 2
The Gladiators began the period with a burst of speed and aggression, aiming to dominate possession of the puck. Micha Miller scored a breakaway goal, and the score is now 3-1 (5:00), with Reece Vitell providing the assist. Maintaining a strong presence in front of the net, the Gladiators persisted in looking for scoring opportunities and challenging Vikman as they kept the pressure on the goalie.
Alex Cohen took the shot on Vikman, only to be stopped by the goalie’s pad. Shortly after, a shot by the Ghost Pirates is blocked by Boyko, leading to some verbal exchanges and pushing between both teams behind the net, but no penalties are given. The Gladiators continued to push on only to have Miller’s shot result in getting blocked by Savannah. The Ghost Pirates drove the Gladiators towards the opposite end of the rink, but the Gladiators regained possession and moved back down to Savannah’s side of the ice.
Shortly after, Alex Gilmour boosts the Ghost Pirates lead once again by scoring a goal with a lucky deflection off a Gladiators’ skate, bringing the score to 4-1 (14:28). The Gladiators continue to defend with a nice sliding move by Luce to block Savannah from taking a clear shot at Boyko. We finish out the period, standing at 4-1 in favor of Savannah.
Period 2 – Shots on Goal:
Atlanta – 6
Savannah – 12
Period 3
Boyko makes a crucial save as the Ghost Pirates make an early attempt on goal but are stopped. The Ghost Pirates continue to pressure the Gladiators in their defensive zone, but Atlanta successfully defends against their attacks. Yoder from Atlanta is penalized for slashing, leading us to the penalty kill. Savannah makes another shot on the net, but it is caught up by Boyko. We return to full strength with no change in score.
MacKinnon attempts a shot on goal, but Boyko thwarts the effort. Boyko once more deflects the Ghost Pirates’ scoring opportunity. The Gladiators find themselves pinned in the corner against the boards but manage to clear the puck. Atlanta’s Dylan Carabia takes a shot but is blocked by Savannah. Vidmar attempts a shot, but Boyko blocks it.
Navrin Mutter attempts a shot, but it misses the net. Currently, the Gladiators are behind in shots, with only two attempts compared to seven by the opposing team. Boyko swiftly moves out of the net to pass the puck to his teammates. Robbie Calisti and Micah Miller get into a mix-up with the Ghost Pirates behind the net. Miller heads to the sin bin for slashing, and the Gladiators head to the PK. Then, the Gladiators add to the penalty box tally with Hoffman going to the box, who breaks his stick in frustration and heads off the ice for game misconduct; Calisti serves his time. Ester makes a shot, but Boyko stops the puck. Pinard takes the shot, and Boyko gets the save. The crowd rallies behind the home team as the Gladiators go back to full strength.
Prokop delivers a strong check on Savannah as the Gladiators continue to apply pressure and remain in Savannah’s zone. As the game enters its final moments, the Gladiators faced challenges in regaining control. Despite Nolan Burke’s final attempt on the net, the game concludes with a score of 4-1, with Savannah sealing the victory for Atlanta.
Period 3 – Shots on Goal:
Atlanta – 3
Savannah – 9
Three Stars:
1. SAV – J. Vikman
2. ATL – M. Miller
3. SAV – S. Pinard
Takeaways:
- The Gladiators’ performance was lackluster in the initial period, struggling to find their momentum. The defensive tactics of the Ghost Pirates played a significant role, along with Atlanta’s inability to make the necessary adjustments.
- Once more, the Gladiators were outshot throughout all three periods, failing to reach double digits in any period. However, their most promising scoring chances emerged in the second period, showcasing a stronger performance that led to Micah Miller’s goal.
