ECHL Game Recap: Jacksonville Icemen vs Atlanta Gladiators | 12/13/2024

In an intense matchup between the Atlanta Gladiators and the Jacksonville Icemen, both teams showcased their skills and determination on the ice. The game was filled with thrilling moments, including impressive saves, strategic plays, and a few heated exchanges. The highlight of the night was the Teddy Bear Toss, which occurred after Carson Denomie scored the first goal for the Gladiators, leading to a flurry of teddy bears being thrown onto the ice by the fans. The Gladiators managed to secure a victory with a strong performance, particularly in the third period, where they extended their lead and maintained solid defense to keep the Icemen at bay.

First Period

Randy Hernández (#81) tried for a near wraparound but was thwarted by Noah Laaouan (#4). Patriks Marcinkevics (#26) found an almost unobstructed path to the net, while Easton Armstrong’s (#7) one-timer was expertly saved by Justen Close (#35). The Icemen faced a penalty, granting the Gladiators their first power play due to Justin McRae’s (#22) hooking violation at 3:03. The crowd erupted in excitement, believing Eric Neiley (#59) had scored, only for the referee to rule it a no goal. After a quick cleanup, the game resumed. Jeremy Hanzel (#4) passed to Anthony Firriolo (#12), who set up Blake Murray (#92), but he failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Close made a save on Derek Topatigh’s (#28) shot from the right, and later, Firriolo attempted another shot, which was caught by Close. Joey Cipollone (#71) also took a shot, but Close was there to save it. Davis Koch (#39) intercepted the puck, yet the Gladiators regained possession. The Icemen were called for Too Many Men, resulting in Koch serving the penalty at 8:03. Topatigh passed to Jackson Pierson (#19), but no attempt on goal was successful. Murray sped in and was hit by Laaouan, and Jacksonville cleared the puck. Hanzel’s one-timer was blocked as we returned to full strength. Nice strong hit behind the net by Armstrong who then made the rush to the net, only to have the Icemen take it back and ice the puck immediately after. Carson Denomie (#18) broke the bear drought at 11:53, with Topatigh and Firriolo assisting, leading to a goal and the ensuing cuddly mayhem officially began.

Drew DeRidder (#34) successfully stopped a shot initially blocked by Andrew Jarvis (#25). Firriolo had another opportunity, but Close thwarted him after a deflection from Cipollone. Close denied two consecutive shots from the Gladiators, including a rebound attempt by Ryan Cranford (#21). Jarvis received a slashing penalty at 15:17, sending the team on the kill. DeRidder deflected a shot from the Jaconsville’s Zach Jordan (#19), allowing the Gladiators to clear the puck. Later, DeRidder made another crucial save as the Icemen pressed forward once more. The penalty concluded and DeRidder executed another impressive save. Hernández’s shot was deflected by Close and his stick. Laaouan’s attempt was halted by DeRidder, along with a subsequent shot from Brendan Harris (#83).

• Goals:
  • Atlanta: Denomie (11:53, assisted by Topatigh and Firriolo)
• Shots:
  • Atlanta: 12
  • Jacksonville: 10
• Penalties:
  • Atlanta: 1 (Slashing – Jarvis at 15:17)
  • Jacksonville: 2 (Hooking – McRae at 3:03, Too Many Men – served by Koch at 8:30)

Second Period

Just thirteen seconds into the period, Topatigh received a penalty for high sticking at 0:13, putting the Gladiators on an early penalty kill. DeRidder managed to block a shot from the Icemen coming from the right circle, but it narrowly missed his glove. Ivan Chukarov (#28) took advantage of another chance, yet the save was made again. The Gladiators swiftly moved the puck to the other end, nearly taking a shot on goal, but it veered wide after Close made a pad save. Murray had his opportunity, but once again, Close’s blocker came into play. Meanwhile, a fight broke out between Mackenzie Dwyer (#29) and Michael Marchesan (#33), with Marchesan landing several solid punches on Dwyer. Both players headed to the penalty box for five minutes.

After the exchange, the Gladiators took a shot at the net following Armstrong’s attempt, but it got deflected. A shot taken by Atlanta was later caught with the glove of Close. Harris passed to Garrett Van Wyhe (#51), but the shot was blocked by Close. A well-executed catch by DeRidder halted Carter Allen’s (#2) opportunity. The Icemen circled around the net, but the Gladiators intervened, preventing Van Wyhe from capitalizing. Logan Cockerill (#9) attempted to maneuver past DeRidder, but he successfully made the catch. Cranford made a strong check, but the Gladiators subsequently iced the puck. Topatigh intercepted it, giving Murray an opportunity, but Close managed to make the save. DeRidder once again made a strong denial of Jordan’s shot.

Van Wyhe attempted another shot, but it soared high and missed the target. Hernández made a wraparound attempt, but it got tangled up and veered wide as Brayden Hislop (#23) slashed him, sending the Gladiators on the power play. Following the next face-off, the Gladiators found themselves in the penalty box for tripping just moments later, leading to a 4-on-4 situation. Close made another remarkable glove save after a shot from Atlanta. Meanwhile, DeRidder showcased his skills with yet another save as Chukarov attempted to slip the puck past him. DeRidder impressively made a stunning glove save as the shot headed towards the net. With less than two minutes left on the clock, the Gladiators surged toward the net but were blocked by the Icemen. As the period came to a close, the score after 40 minutes of action remained 1-0 in favor of Atlanta.

• Goals:
  • None
• Shots:
  • Atlanta: 9
  • Jacksonville: 11
• Penalties:
  • Atlanta: 2 (High Sticking – Topatigh at 0:13, Tripping – Sylvester at 13:59, Fighting – Marchesan at 3:37)
  • Jacksonville: 2 (Fighting – Dwyer at 3:37, Slashing – Hislop at 13:52)

Third Period

The start of the third period was delayed because the post on DeRidder’s net required attention. Once play resumed, Cipollone quickly gained possession of the puck. With an advantage, the Gladiators had a chance as Cipollone took the shot, but it sailed high and wide. Hernández attempted the following shot, but it was blocked. Later, DeRidder leaped onto the puck after Koch tried to slide it by him.

A slapper by Chukarov was stopped, and the Icemen continued to push as the Gladiators tried to dig it out of their zone. A near breakaway shot by Murray was stopped by Close. Armstrong extended Atlanta’s lead to 2-0 by skillfully maneuvering past Close.

Moments later, Cipollone’s shot soared high, bounced, and landed behind Close, marking the Gladiators’ third goal, assisted by Connor Galloway (#20) and Marchesan. With this, Atlanta took a commanding 3-0 lead.

The Gladiators effectively kept the Icemen at bay, with DeRidder making a crucial glove save. Hernández took a strong shot at the net, but it ricocheted off the post. Later, DeRidder once again prevented the Icemen from scoring as they attempted to find the net.

A delayed penalty was called on the Gladiators as Harris skated around the boards. The play ended when Atlanta touched up, sending Cranford to the box for hooking. Atlanta surged, but Cipollone’s shot was saved by the glove of Close, nearly resulting in a short-handed goal. Up front of the net, the Gladiators kept the Icemen at bay once more with solid defense to help DeRidder out.

With fewer than four minutes left on the clock, the Gladiators maintained pressure, keeping the Icemen confined to their own zone. The Icemen iced the puck as they attempted to clear it from their zone. The Icemen continued to force the puck into Atlanta’s end of the ice, but DeRidder gloved down the shots on net as we wound down to 2:27 left in the frame. DeRidder kept another shot out just after the faceoff that was made by Hislop.

Despite their best efforts, the Icemen couldn’t break through the Gladiators’ defense. As the final seconds ticked away, Atlanta secured a well-deserved 3-0 shutout victory, leaving the Icemen unable to find the net.

• Goals:
  • Atlanta: Armstrong (2-0), Cipollone (3-0, assisted by Galloway and Marchesan)
• Shots:
  • Atlanta: 10
  • Jacksonville: 12
• Penalties:
  • Atlanta: 1 (Hooking – Cranford at 11:46)
  • Jacksonville: 1 (Slashing – Hislop)

Game Summary

In a thrilling showdown, the Atlanta Gladiators secured a dramatic 3-0 victory over the Jacksonville Icemen. Carson Denomie ignited the scoreboard in the first period, setting the tone for the game and letting the bears finally fly onto the ice. The tension mounted as both goalies, Justen Close for the Icemen and Drew DeRidder for the Gladiators, made numerous impressive saves, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. The excitement peaked in the third period with goals from Easton Armstrong and Joey Cipollone, sealing the shutout win for Atlanta. Despite the Icemen’s relentless efforts, they couldn’t find the net, and the Gladiators celebrated a well-deserved win.

Final Game Stats:

• Total Goals:
  • Atlanta: 3
  • Jacksonville: 0
• Total Shots:
  • Atlanta: 31
  • Jacksonville: 33
• Total Penalties:
  • Atlanta: 5
  • Jacksonville: 3

Three Stars of the Game (Gamesheet)

1. Drew DeRidder (Atlanta) – Outstanding goaltending with a shutout performance.
2. Easton Armstrong (Atlanta) – Scored a crucial goal to extend the lead.
3. Joey Cipollone (Atlanta) – Scored the third goal, sealing the victory.

Get ready for an exciting showdown as the Atlanta Gladiators take on the Greenville Swamp Rabbits! The puck drops at 7:05 PM EST at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. The Gladiators are aiming for their third consecutive win, so don’t miss the action!