Thursday morning’s game was a special event, as it was Education Day at the Gas South Arena. The arena was filled with enthusiastic students from over 50 schools, creating an energetic and lively atmosphere before a sold-out crowd of 8,027. The event combine the excitement of live hockey with educational activities for students in attendance, providing a unique learning experience for young fans.
After wrapping up their game against Florida, the Atlanta Gladiators would hit the road for their next challenge in Jacksonville. The team certainly faced a tight schedule, with little time to rest before their matchup against the Jacksonville Icemen the next evening after their game against the Everblades.
Florida Everblades at Atlanta Gladiators
Date: November 14, 2024
Location: Gas South Arena
Time: 10:30 AM EST
Period 1
Florida took an early lead with a goal by Tyler Kobryn at 3:13, assisted by Jordan Sambrook and Mike O’Leary. Despite being outshot 7-6 by Atlanta, Florida’s defense and goaltending held strong, keeping Atlanta scoreless through the period. The period also saw two penalties against Atlanta, but Florida couldn’t capitalize on the power plays.
Period 2
Atlanta bounced back with two quick goals midway through the period. Michael Marchesan scored at 14:13 off the shot made by Easton Armstrong. That goal would be followed by Andrew Jarvis at 15:24, with assists from Ryan Cranford and Armstrong. Florida responded late in the period with a goal from Kade Landry at 18:25, assisted by Colton Hargrove and Carson Gicewicz, tying the game at 2-2. Atlanta outshot Florida 12-8 in this period.
Period 3
Florida dominated the final period, scoring three unanswered goals. Kyle Betts scored at 17:14, assisted by Oliver Chau, followed by Colin Theisen’s two goals at 18:18 and 19:38 (the latter being an empty-netter), with assists from Joe Lansdell, Connor Doherty, and Mike O’Leary. Despite Atlanta’s efforts, they couldn’t find the back of the net, and Florida secured the win with a final score of 5-2. Florida outshot Atlanta 11-8 in this period.
Scoring Summary by Period:
1st Period:
FLA: T. Kobryn (3:13) assisted by J. Sambrook and M. O’Leary
2nd Period:
ATL: M. Marchesan (14:13) assisted by E. Armstrong
ATL: A. Jarvis (15:24) assisted by R. Cranford and E. Armstrong
FLA: K. Landry (18:25) assisted by C. Hargrove and C. Gicewicz
3rd Period:
FLA: K. Betts (17:14) assisted by O. Chau
FLA: C. Theisen (18:18) assisted by J. Lansdell and C. Doherty
FLA: C. Theisen (19:38) assisted by M. O’Leary (empty net)
Penalties by Period:
1st Period:
ATL: M. Marchesan (tripping, 6:56)
ATL: E. Armstrong (tripping, 19:42)
3rd Period:
FLA: O. Chau (tripping, 1:03)
ATL: J. Pierson (high-sticking, 6:27)
Three Stars:
- ATL – P. Marcinkevics
- FLA – K. Landry
- FLA – C. Theisen
Patriks Marcinkevics: Marcinkevics was a key player for Atlanta, earning the first star of the game. Although he didn’t score any goals, his overall performance and presence on the ice were impactful. Marcinkevics contributed significantly to Atlanta’s offensive plays and was involved in creating scoring opportunities.
Kade Landry: Landry played a pivotal role in Florida’s comeback, scoring the game-tying goal late in the second period. His goal at 18:25, assisted by Hargrove and Gicewicz, shifted the momentum back to Florida. Landry’s solid defensive play and ability to contribute offensively made him a key player in this game.
Colin Theisen: Theisen was a standout performer for Florida, scoring two crucial goals in the third period to secure the win. His first goal at 18:18 gave Florida a comfortable lead, and he sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:38. His timely scoring earned him the third star of the game.
Team and Player Stats:
Florida:
Top Performers: C. Theisen (two goals), K. Landry (goal), M. O’Leary (two assists)
Goalie: W. Cranley (25 saves on 27 shots)
Atlanta:
Top Performers: M. Marchesan (goal), A. Jarvis (goal), E. Armstrong (two assists)
Goalie: E. Haider (20 saves on 24 shots)
Atlanta at Jacksonville
Location: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Date: November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Period 1
Atlanta took an early lead with a goal by Joey Cipollone at 4:36, assisted by Cody Sylvester and Patriks Marcinkevics. The period was marked by a high number of shots, with Atlanta outshooting Jacksonville 15-11. Both teams had opportunities on the power play, but neither could convert. The period ended with Atlanta holding a 1-0 lead.
Period 2
Jacksonville tied the game late in the second period with a goal from Justin McRae at 17:32, assisted by Noah Laaouan and Tyler Cheveldayoff. The period saw fewer shots compared to the first, with Atlanta managing eight shots to Jacksonville’s ten. Penalties were frequent, including a major fighting penalty for both teams after Ryan Cranford dropped the gloves against Carter Allen, but the score remained tied at 1-1 heading into the third period.
Period 3
Jacksonville would rally and ultimately dominated the final period, scoring three goals to secure the win. Brody Crane scored at 10:47, assisted by Zach Jordan and Peter Tischke, followed by a power-play goal from Oliver Nadeau at 17:20, assisted by Liam Coughlin and Ivan Chukarov. Atlanta’s Cipollone scored his second goal at 18:05, assisted by Patriks Marcinkevics and Sylvester, but Jacksonville sealed the game with an empty-net goal by Nadeau at 19:36, assisted by Coughlin. Despite Atlanta outshooting Jacksonville 16-15 in the period, Jacksonville’s strong finish led to their 4-2 victory.
Scoring Summary by Period:
1st Period:
ATL: J. Cipollone (4:36) assisted by C. Sylvester and P. Marcinkevics
2nd Period:
JAX: J. McRae (17:32) assisted by N. Laaouan and T. Cheveldayoff
3rd Period:
JAX: B. Crane (10:47) assisted by Z. Jordan and P. Tischke
JAX: O. Nadeau (17:20) assisted by L. Coughlin and I. Chukarov (power play)
ATL: J. Cipollone (18:05) assisted by P. Marcinkevics and C. Sylvester
JAX: O. Nadeau (19:36) assisted by L. Coughlin (empty net)
Penalties by Period:
1st Period:
JAX: C. Allen (tripping, 0:25)
ATL: D. Carabia (roughing, 10:45)
JAX: C. Lang (roughing, 10:45)
ATL: A. Jarvis (holding, 12:34)
2nd Period:
ATL: J. Pierson (hooking, 2:44)
ATL: B. Datema (high-sticking, 9:20)
JAX: J. McRae (hooking, 12:30)
ATL: R. Cranford (fighting, 15:23)
JAX: C. Allen (fighting, 15:23)
3rd Period:
JAX: P. Tischke (tripping, 0:44)
ATL: D. Carabia (hooking, 16:27)
Three Stars:
- JAX – B. Wilson
- JAX – O. Nadeau
- ATL – J. Cipollone
Brian Wilson: Wilson made 37 saves on 39 shots, demonstrating exceptional skill and composure under pressure. His performance was crucial in securing Jacksonville’s 4-2 victory over Atlanta. Wilson’s ability to make key saves, especially during high-pressure moments, earned him the first star of the game.
Oliver Nadeau: Nadeau was a dominant force for Jacksonville, scoring two goals in the third period, including a power-play goal and an empty-netter. His ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments earned him the second star of the game and highlighted his offensive talent.
Joey Cipollone: Cipollone was Atlanta’s standout player, scoring both of their goals. His first goal came early in the first period, giving Atlanta an initial lead, and his second goal late in the third period kept Atlanta in the game. Cipollone’s scoring ability and determination throughout the game earned him the third star.
Team and Player Stats:
Atlanta:
Top Performers: J. Cipollone (2 goals), C. Sylvester (2 assists), P. Marcinkevics (2 assists)
Goalie: D. DeRidder (32 saves on 35 shots)
Jacksonville:
Top Performers: O. Nadeau (2 goals), J. McRae (1 goal), L. Coughlin (2 assists)
Goalie: B. Wilson (37 saves on 39 shots)
Final Thoughts
The Atlanta Gladiators faced the Florida Everblades in a high-scoring morning game, ultimately falling 5-2. Despite the loss, there were exciting moments for the Gladiators, especially for the young fans in attendance. Michael Marchesan and Andrew Jarvis each scored, and Ethan Haider made several impressive saves to keep the game competitive.
After their game against Florida, the Gladiators traveled to Jacksonville for their next challenge. Joey Cipollone scored twice for Atlanta, but the team was defeated 4-2. Despite some great opportunities, the team struggled to generate additional goals late in the game, with their offense unable to find the results they wanted.
These back-to-back games showcased the team’s resilience and dedication. They put up a strong fight against Florida, thrilling the young fans there for School Day. Despite the quick turnaround, the team showed determination and grit once again in Jacksonville, but couldn’t quite get the puck luck to go their way.
