ECHL Game Recap: Bloomington Bison vs Atlanta Gladiators | 02/01/2025

The Bloomington Bison and Atlanta Gladiators clashed in the second game of their series, which was extra special for the Gladiators as they celebrated Women in Business Night. This event featured the Girl Scouts of America, bringing an added layer of excitement and community spirit to the evening.

Looking ahead, Sunday afternoon’s game will be the thrilling finale of the three-in-three series between these two teams. It will also feature “Bluey Night,” making it an even more exciting event for fans. Bluey, the beloved Australian Blue Heeler puppy from the popular children’s TV show, will be on deck for the game, ensuring a fun-filled experience for young fans.

Period 1

An early attempt on goal almost put the Gladiators’ Alternate Captain, Cody Sylvester, on the scoreboard, but the shot missed the net. Drew DeRidder blocked a shot with his leg pads as Bloomington surged toward the net. Armstrong passed in front of the net to Carson Denomie, who nearly had an open slot on Wilson, but they were not able to connect.

Things got physical early on the ice as both teams delivered solid hits to each other. Brenden Datema delivered a powerful blow to Jake Murray, igniting cheers from the fans as it appeared that the Gladiators were eager to prove themselves. Moments later, Topatigh passed the puck to Michael Marchesan, who shot on Brian Wilson, but Wilson gloved it.

Play was halted after Eddie Matsushima fell heavily onto the ice due to a collision, although no penalty was assessed for that incident. A slap shot from the blue line by Andrew Jarvis was stopped by Wilson. A stoppage in play occurred after the Bison shot, as the net came off its moorings following that attempt. Another powerful check by Datema up along the boards.

After a play, Cody Sylvester had a rather intense conversation with Gavin Gould behind DeRidder’s net. Later, DeRidder had to plunge down to block the puck as the Bison intensified their attack on the net. A pass by Blake Murray to Easton Armstrong was intercepted by Brett Budgell, much to the dismay of the Gladiator faithful.

With less than five minutes left, Atlanta was assessed a penalty against Marchesan for interference after a check, which sent the Bison onto the power play. During the penalty kill, the Gladiators successfully fended off the Bison. Once the Gladiators were back at full strength, the Bison unleashed a strong shot towards DeRidder, but he expertly stopped it with his glove.

The Gladiators snagged the puck and rushed to the other end of the ice, but the time ran out, with no score by either side.

Period 2

Early in the period, both teams quickly resumed the action from the first period. Neiley attempted a pass during the rush, but it was intercepted as the Bison scrambled to regain possession. However, the Gladiators quickly recovered and seized the puck.

The Gladiators received a power-play opportunity after Bryce Montgomery was penalized for delay of game at 2:13. Cranford’s direct shot was blocked by Wilson. The Gladiators struck first on the scoreboard as Patriks Marcinkevics found the net with a top-corner shot that soared past Wilson at 4:13, leaving the goaltender with no chance. Blake Murray and Jeremy Hanzel assisted.

Later, Marchesan took a shot following a pass from Galloway, who unleashed a powerful strike on Wilson, but the Bison goaltender made the save. Several powerful attempts on Wilson were blocked as the Bison finally seized the puck and took a shot at the Atlanta net, but DeRidder made the save. Another opportunity for Atlanta, featuring Armstrong, was stopped by Wilson’s pads, heightening the tension for the team. A few moments later, Budgell attempted a shot on Atlanta, but DeRidder denied that attempt as well.

Bison’s Barbashev launched a fierce shot, but DeRidder was quick to block it with precision. Cranford made a valiant dive for the puck but just missed it. Armstrong then skillfully passed to Denomie, who took a shot but missed wide. Armstrong followed up with another powerful attempt, only to be thwarted by Wilson, who made an impressive save. The Gladiators were relentless, firing off some excellent shots on Wilson that narrowly missed the net, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Eddie Matsushima seized a loose puck and expertly sent it over DeRidder’s shoulder, finding the net at 10:37. Ryan Siedem and Gavin Gould assisted on the play. However, the Gladiators quickly responded and regained the lead at 12:16. Cody Sylvester scored thanks to a perfectly redirected bounce pass, with assists credited to Dylan Carabia and Ryan Cranford.

Later on, Patriks Marcinkevics nearly scored with a wrap-around shot on Wilson, but it just missed. Following that play, Matsushima made a strong attempt at the other end, but DeRidder was there to make the save. The Gladiators’ Galloway had a prime interception opportunity right in front of Wilson but couldn’t capitalize on it. There was no penalty called despite what appeared to be too many men on the ice during Atlanta’s line change. Regardless, the Gladiators received a penalty on the following play as Jackson Pierson was sent to the box for hooking at 15:29, giving the Bison a man advantage.

On the following play, Cipollone stole the puck from Matsushima, but his shot was stopped by Wilson. Again, the Gladiators had another chance as Murray took a shot on Wilson, but Wilson gloved it down. As play resumed at full strength, the Gladiators worked hard to get the puck out of their zone. Emoff then took a shot on net, but DeRidder made the stop on that chance.

Later, a melee ensued as the Gladiators defended their netminder, with the Bison getting a bit too close for Atlanta’s comfort, though no penalty was called. Another interception by Atlanta kept the pressure on the Bison. During the following play, a delayed penalty was called on Joey Cipollone for interference at 19:40. We ended the frame with Atlanta leading 2-1. There will be a minute and 41 seconds left on the man advantage when we return to finish the game.

Period 3

The Gladiators expertly cleared the puck multiple times, determined to kill off the remaining penalty. As Cipollone rejoined the fray, the team was back to full strength, and the action intensified in front of Wilson. Lockhart’s shot through the crowded ice was dramatically blocked by DeRidder. Hernández’s attempt was also thwarted by Wilson as Atlanta scrambled to tap in the puck, but the net remained elusive.

Patriks Marcinkevics skillfully beat the puck, eliminating the icing as the Gladiators charged towards Wilson’s net. Later, Budgell’s sliding shot on DeRidder was blocked, and Carabia cleared it, but they were called for icing.

Brenden Datema’s powerful hit on Bloomington set the tone for the game. Cranford relentlessly pressured the Bison, forcing them to work hard to maintain control. With ten minutes left, the Bison dominated the flow of play, but Atlanta’s solid coverage kept the game in check. The Gladiators managed to penetrate the Bison zone but struggled to find a clear shot on goal. DeRidder lost sight of the puck after catching it with his blocker, unable to track where it went. However, he quickly located it, bringing the play to a halt.

Sylvester launched a high shot towards the net, but Wilson skillfully caught it, halting the play. Shortly after, Blake Murray’s attempt was once again thwarted by Wilson’s quick reflexes. Meanwhile, on the other end, DeRidder denied Emoff’s scoring opportunity, keeping the game tight.

Budgell’s shot clanged off the crossbar, sending a wave of panic through the Atlanta fans. The Gladiators then secured an insurance goal as Marchesan delivered a beautiful backhand shot, extending the lead to 3-1. Hernández set up the play with a perfect assist at 17:02.

In a last-ditch effort, Wilson left the net to give the Bison an extra attacker. Despite some dangerous shots from the Bison, the Gladiators held firm and clinched the victory with a final score of 3-1.

Final Game Summary

The Gladiators secured a 3-1 victory over the Bison. The game was marked by intense action and strong defensive plays. Brenden Datema’s powerful hit on Bloomington set the tone early on. Cranford kept the pressure on the Bison, forcing them to work hard to maintain control. Despite the Bison dominating the flow of play with ten minutes left, Atlanta’s solid coverage kept the game in check.

The Gladiators managed to penetrate the Bison zone but struggled to find a clear shot on goal. DeRidder lost sight of the puck after catching it with his blocker but quickly located it, bringing the play to a halt. Sylvester’s high shot towards the net was skillfully caught by Wilson, halting the play. Shortly after, Blake Murray’s attempt was once again thwarted by Wilson’s quick reflexes. On the other end, DeRidder stopped Emoff’s chance.

Budgell’s shot clanged off the crossbar, sending a wave of panic through the Atlanta fans. The Gladiators then secured an insurance goal as Marchesan delivered a beautiful backhand shot, extending the lead to 3-1. Hernández set up the play with a perfect assist at 17:02. In a last-ditch effort, Wilson left the net to give the Bison an extra attacker. Despite some dangerous shots from the Bison, the Gladiators held firm and clinched the victory.

Three Stars of the Game

1. D. DeRidder (ATL) – Stellar performance in goal, making 32 saves on 33 shots.
2. C. Sylvester (ATL) – Scored the game-winning goal and contributed significantly to the team’s offense.
3. P. Marcinkevics (ATL) – Opened the scoring for Atlanta and played a key role in their victory.