ECHL Game Recap: South Carolina Stingrays vs Atlanta Gladiators | 12/11/2024

Going into last night’s game, the South Carolina Stingrays were riding high at the top of the South Division, having demonstrated some strong performances this season and on a six game winning streak. Their previous victory against the Atlanta Gladiators on November 3rd, a 2-1 overtime win, had further cemented their position as the team to beat. Tyler Weiss, Connor Moore, and Garin Bjorklund were standout performers in that game, showcasing the Stingrays’ depth.

In contrast, the Atlanta Gladiators were struggling at the bottom of the South Division standings and trying to find their footing. Their previous loss to South Carolina highlighted some their challenges so far this season. However, last night’s game was a crucial opportunity for Atlanta to turn their fortunes around and gain some much-needed momentum, especially on their home ice.

The stakes couldn’t have been higher: South Carolina was determined to maintain their dominance and extend their impressive winning streak, while Atlanta was fighting tooth and nail to prove they could compete with the best.

Goaltenders:

First Period

The game started with Seth Eisele in goal for the South Carolina Stingrays and Ethan Haider for the Atlanta Gladiators. Early in the period, Justin Nachbaur scored for the Stingrays at 1:44, assisted by Jamie Engelbert and Connor Moore. However, Nachbaur received a penalty for Delay of Game shortly after.

However, the Stingrays were able to successfully kill that penalty and ATlanta did not find the net on their man advantage. The Gladiators responded late in the period, first with a goal by Patriks Marcinkevics at 15:01, assisted by Blake Murray and Anthony Firriolo. They took the lead with another goal by Randy Hernández at 19:15, assisted by Blake Murray and Zach Yoder.

Shots on Goal:

• South Carolina: 9
• Atlanta: 9

Goals:

• 1:44: South Carolina – J. Nachbaur (3), assisted by J. Engelbert, C. Moore
• 15:01: Atlanta – P. Marcinkevics (2), assisted by B. Murray, A. Firriolo
• 19:15: Atlanta – R. Hernández (4), assisted by B. Murray, Z. Yoder

Penalties:

• 2:07: South Carolina – J. Nachbaur, Delay of Game (2:00 minutes)

Score at End of Period: South Carolina 1, Atlanta 2

Second Period

The Stingrays quickly tied the game with a goal by Austin Magera at 0:11, assisted by Tyler Weiss and Micah Miller. The period saw several penalties, including a hooking penalty on Andrew Jarvis of the Gladiators and a holding penalty on Ryan Hofer of the Stingrays. Blake Thompson of the Stingrays also received a penalty for Delay of Game at 16:22. We would finish out the period with each team tied with two goals each.

Shots on Goal:

• South Carolina: 13
• Atlanta: 6

Goals:

• 0:11: South Carolina – A. Magera (4), assisted by T. Weiss, M. Miller

Penalties:

• 7:30: Atlanta – A. Jarvis, Hooking – minor (2:00 minutes)
• 10:57: South Carolina – R. Hofer, Holding – minor (2:00 minutes)
• 16:22: South Carolina – B. Thompson, Delay of Game (2:00 minutes)

Score at End of Period: South Carolina 2, Atlanta 2

Third Period

The Gladiators regained the lead early in the third period with a goal by Blake Murray at 0:23, assisted by Randy Hernández. The Stingrays’ Alexander Suzdalev scored at 8:01, bringing the game to a tense tie once more.

As the clock wound down, the excitement peaked when the Stingrays pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. In what can only be called a dramatic finish, Cody Sylvester would score the winning goal for the Gladiators with a mere 9 seconds left in the period. The goal was assisted by Eric Neiley and Jeremy Hanzel. The goal sealing the victory in the final moments of the game for Atlanta.

Shots on Goal:

• South Carolina: 7
  • Atlanta: 12

Goals:

• 0:23: Atlanta – B. Murray (3), assisted by R. Hernández
• 8:01: South Carolina – A. Suzdalev (7)
• 19:41: Atlanta – C. Sylvester (6), assisted by E. Neiley, J. Hanzel

Penalties:

• 8:01: Atlanta – J. Hanzel, Roughing – minor (2:00 minutes)
• 11:27: South Carolina – B. Hawerchuk, Tripping – minor (2:00 minutes)

Game Summary

Shots on Goal – South Carolina Stingrays:

1st Period: 9

2nd Period: 13

3rd Period: 7

Total: 29

Shots on Goal – Atlanta Gladiators:

1st Period: 9

2nd Period: 6

3rd Period: 12

Total: 27

Powerplay Results

South Carolina Stingrays: 0 / 2

Atlanta Gladiators: 0 / 4

Three Stars of the Game

1. Cody Sylvester (Atlanta Gladiators) – Scored the game-winning goal.
2. Blake Murray (Atlanta Gladiators) – Scored a goal and provided two assists.
3. Randy Hernández (Atlanta Gladiators) – Scored a goal and provided an assist.

The match was an exhilarating showdown between the South Carolina Stingrays and the Atlanta Gladiators. In the first period, Justin Nachbaur scored an early goal for the Stingrays, but the Gladiators quickly countered with goals from Patriks Marcinkevics and Randy Hernández. The second period saw Austin Magera score for the Stingrays, bringing the game to a tie. In the third period, the intensity ramped up as Blake Murray netted an early goal for the Gladiators, only for Alexander Suzdalev of the Stingrays to equalize. The game reached its peak when Cody Sylvester scored the decisive goal for the Gladiators at 19:41, clinching a 4-3 victory.

The Gladiators’ victory was a significant morale booster, showing their potential to compete with the division leaders and marking a pivotal moment in their season. This win also broke a six-game winning streak for the Stingrays, highlighting the competitive nature of the division. Despite the loss, the Stingrays remain at the top of the South Division and will look to bounce back in their next game this Friday, December 20th, 2024, against the Florida Everblades. The puck drops at 7:30 PM EST at Hertz Arena. Atlanta will host the Jacksonville Icemen tomorrow evening for their Annual Teddy Bear Toss event at 7:30 PM at Gas South Arena.