Welcome to this week’s electrifying South Division update! The ice is sizzling with action as our teams clash in fierce battles, showcasing heart-stopping saves, dazzling goals, and game-changing plays. From goaltending heroes standing tall in the crease to defensemen anchoring the blue line and forwards lighting up the scoreboard, the drama is unfolding at every turn. So, it is now time to dive into the pulse-pounding highlights from Week 17 and see how your favorite teams are making their mark.
South Division Standings
- Florida Everblades: 68 points, 31-9-5-1 record
- South Carolina Stingrays: 59 points, 27-12-3-2 record
- Jacksonville Icemen: 59 points, 28-16-2-1 record
- Orlando Solar Bears: 59 points, 26-18-7-0 record
- Atlanta Gladiators: 46 points, 20-22-4-2 record
- Savannah Ghost Pirates: 44 points, 21-22-2-0 record
- Greenville Swamp Rabbits: 41 points, 18-21-3-2 record
Overall League-Wide Standings
Week 15 to Week 16 League-Wide Comparison:
- Florida Everblades: Moved down from 1st to 2nd place.
- South Carolina Stingrays: Moved down from 4th to 6th place.
- Jacksonville Icemen: Remained in 9th place.
- Savannah Ghost Pirates: Moved down from 17th to 19th place.
- Orlando Solar Bears: Remained in 14th place.
- Atlanta Gladiators: Remained in 20th place.
- Greenville Swamp Rabbits: Moved up from 23rd to 21st place.
Milestones
150 ECHL Goals – Cody Sylvester – Atlanta Gladiators
Team News & Updates
Atlanta Gladiators
The Atlanta Gladiators had a challenging week with mixed results. On Sunday, February 2, they played at home against Bloomington and lost 3-1. They continued their road trip on Wednesday, February 5, with a narrow 3-2 loss to Worcester and again on Friday the 7th, by the same score. However, they bounced back on Saturday, February 8, with a solid 4-2 victory over Worcester on the road. The Gladiators are looking to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
The Atlanta Gladiators have faced challenges on the power play, ranking 28th overall with a 12.6% success rate. However, their penalty kill is more reliable at 78.8%, ranking 23rd. When they score first, they have a solid record of 14-4-2-1, boasting a 73.8% winning percentage. The Gladiators have scored 34 goals in the first period, 37 in the second, and 48 in the third, showing a tendency to finish strong. They have taken 465 shots in the first period, 474 in the second, and 461 in the third, indicating consistent offensive pressure throughout the game.
Defensively, they have allowed 41 goals in the first period, 58 in the second, and 51 in the third. They have faced 454 shots in the first period, 522 in the second, and 472 in the third. The Gladiators’ struggles on the power play and their mid-tier penalty kill could hinder their playoff chances. However, their ability to secure wins when scoring first and their strong third-period performance are positives. Improving their defensive consistency, especially in the second period, will be crucial for a playoff push.
Top Goaltenders: Ethan Haider has been a key player for the Gladiators with a 2.85 GAA and a .903 save percentage. Drew DeRidder also stands out with a 3.00 GAA and a .905 save percentage.
Top Defenseman: Derek Topatigh has been a standout on defense with 6 goals and 23 assists for 29 points.
Top Forwards: Cody Sylvester is on fire this season, leading the team with an impressive 18 goals and 17 assists, totaling 35 points. He’s also the league’s clutch performer, topping the charts with seven game-winning goals. Eric Neiley is another standout, contributing significantly with 11 goals and 19 assists, amassing 30 points. His consistent performance makes him a key player to watch.
Penalty Minute Record: Atlanta has accumulated 460 penalty minutes over 48 games, averaging 9.58 penalty minutes per game. They rank 28th in the league for penalty minutes and remain one of the lowest in the league.
Transactions:
- Ethan Haider (G) was loaned from Milwaukee (AHL) on February 3, 2025.
- Dysen Skinner (G) was released from SPC on February 3, 2025.
Upcoming Games:
- Thursday, February 13: Home vs. Greenville at 7:00 PM EST
Florida Everblades
The Florida Everblades had a tough week, starting with an away game against Orlando on Sunday, February 2, where they lost 5-4 in overtime. They faced Greenville at home on Wednesday, February 5, and suffered a 3-0 defeat. The Everblades managed to turn things around on Friday, February 7, with a 4-2 home win against Greenville. They continued their winning streak on Saturday, February 8, with a 3-2 home victory over Greenville. Florida aims to maintain their form in the coming week.
The Florida Everblades excel with an 18.1% power play success rate, ranking 19th, and a strong penalty kill at 81.5%, ranking 13th. They dominate when scoring first, with an impressive 21-3-3-0 record and an 83.3% winning percentage. The Everblades have scored 37 goals in the first period, 49 in the second, and 57 in the third, demonstrating their ability to ramp up their offense as the game progresses. They have taken 454 shots in the first period, 498 in the second, and 454 in the third.
Defensively, they have allowed 23 goals in the first period, 37 in the second, and 28 in the third. They have faced 386 shots in the first period, 392 in the second, and 365 in the third. The Everblades’ strong power play and penalty kill, combined with their dominance when scoring first, make them strong playoff contenders. Their solid defensive stats, particularly their low goals against, further bolster their chances of holding their top spot.
Top Goaltender: Cam Johnson is leading the way for the Everblades with an impressive 24 wins, a 1.77 GAA, and a .929 save percentage.
Top Defenseman: Jordan Sambrook has been a key player on defense with a +24 plus-minus rating.
Top Forwards: Carson Gicewicz leads the team with 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points.
Penalty Minute Record: Florida has accumulated 696 penalty minutes over 46 games, averaging 15.13 penalty minutes per game. They rank 6th in the league for penalty minutes.
Transactions:
- Gary Haden (F) was suspended by the team on February 7, 2025.
Upcoming Games:
- Wednesday, February 12: Away vs. Indy at 7:00 PM EST
- Friday, February 14: Away vs. Indy at 7:00 PM EST
- Saturday, February 15: Away vs. Indy at 7:00 PM EST
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits had a mixed week. They started strong with a 3-0 away win against Florida on Wednesday, February 5. However, they couldn’t keep up the momentum and lost 4-2 to Florida on the road on Friday, February 7. The Swamp Rabbits faced Florida again on Saturday, February 8, and lost 3-2 away. Greenville will be looking to bounce back in their upcoming matches.
The Greenville Swamp Rabbits have a power play success rate of 18.1%, ranking 20th, and a solid penalty kill at 81.2%, ranking 14th. Their record when scoring first is 13-10-2-1, with a 55.8% winning percentage. The Swamp Rabbits have scored 43 goals in the first period, 30 in the second, and 38 in the third, showing a need to improve their middle-period performance. They have taken 402 shots in the first period, 428 in the second, and 435 in the third.
Defensively, they have allowed 42 goals in the first period, 49 in the second, and 55 in the third. They have faced 484 shots in the first period, 517 in the second, and 468 in the third. The Swamp Rabbits’ middle-of-the-pack power play and penalty kill, along with their moderate success when scoring first, suggest they need to improve to enhance their playoff chances. Addressing their defensive lapses, especially in the second and third periods, will be essential for a stronger postseason bid.
Top Goaltender: Dryden McKay has been a standout for the Swamp Rabbits with a 3.00 GAA and a .909 save percentage.
Top Defenseman: Parker Berge has been impressive with 6 goals and 24 assists for 30 points.
Top Forwards: Bryce Brodzinski is the team’s top performer, leading with 13 goals and 20 assists, totaling 33 points. His consistent playmaking is a key asset for the team. Meanwhile, Carter Savoie is on a hot streak, lighting up the scoreboard with a four-game goal streak, scoring four goals. But that’s not all—he’s also on a six-game point streak, racking up five goals and three assists.
Penalty Minute Record: Greenville has accumulated 535 penalty minutes over 44 games, averaging 12.16 penalty minutes per game. They rank 13th in the league for penalty minutes.
Upcoming Games:
- Thursday, February 13: Away vs. Atlanta at 7:00 PM EST
- Saturday, February 15: Home vs. Savannah at 7:05 PM EST
Jacksonville Icemen
The Jacksonville Icemen had an eventful week. They secured a 2-1 overtime home victory against Bloomington on Tuesday, February 4. However, they faced a setback on Friday, February 7, with a 3-2 home loss to Trois-Rivières. The Icemen ended the week on a high note with a 5-3 home win against Trois-Rivières on Saturday, February 8. Jacksonville is eager to continue their winning ways.
The Jacksonville Icemen struggle on the power play, ranking 27th with a 14.3% success rate, but their penalty kill is excellent at 84.0%, ranking 4th. They have an 18-3-1-1 record when scoring first, with an 82.6% winning percentage. The Icemen have scored 38 goals in the first period, 56 in the second, and 45 in the third, showing a strong middle-period performance. They have taken 453 shots in the first period, 473 in the second, and 448 in the third.
Defensively, they have allowed 34 goals in the first period, 41 in the second, and 45 in the third. They have faced 460 shots in the first period, 515 in the second, and 441 in the third. The Icemen’s excellent penalty kill and strong record when scoring first are significant assets. However, their weak power play and need for more consistent defensive play could be areas of concern. Focusing on improving their power play and maintaining their defensive strengths will be vital for their playoff hopes.
Top Goaltenders: Justen Close has been solid for the Icemen with a 2.25 GAA and a .920 save percentage. Matt Vernon also stands out with a 2.61 GAA and a .915 save percentage.
Top Defenseman: Garrett Van Wyhe has been a key player on defense with 9 goals and 21 assists for 30 points.
Chris Grando leads the team with 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points, showcasing his dynamic play. Davis Koch also stands out with 10 goals and 20 assists for 30 points, proving his playmaking abilities are crucial to the team’s success. Justin McRae had his first career multi-goal game on Saturday against Trois-Rivières, marking a breakthrough performance.
Penalty Minute Record: Jacksonville has accumulated 669 penalty minutes over 47 games, averaging 14.23 penalty minutes per game. They rank 9th in the league for penalty minutes.
Transactions:
- Dante Fantauzzi (D) was signed to SPC on February 7, 2025.
- Hakon Nilsen (D) was traded from Iowa on February 7, 2025.
Upcoming Games:
- Tuesday, February 11: Away vs. Orlando at 7:00 PM EST
- Saturday, February 15: Home vs. Orlando at 7:00 PM EST
Orlando Solar Bears
The Orlando Solar Bears had a thrilling week with close games. They started with a 5-4 overtime home win against Florida on Sunday, February 2. On Tuesday, February 4, they edged out South Carolina with a 4-3 home victory. The Solar Bears continued their strong performance on Saturday, February 8, with a 3-2 overtime home win against South Carolina. Orlando is going to be looking to keep their winning streak alive.
The Orlando Solar Bears have an 18.1% power play success rate, ranking 18th, and an exceptional penalty kill at 86.5%, ranking 3rd. They perform well when scoring first, with a 16-4-4-0 record and a 75.0% winning percentage. The Solar Bears have scored 40 goals in the first period, 47 in the second, and 45 in the third, showing balanced scoring across periods. They have taken 435 shots in the first period, 439 in the second, and 401 in the third.
Defensively, they have allowed 33 goals in the first period, 52 in the second, and 51 in the third. They have faced 510 shots in the first period, 547 in the second, and 534 in the third. The Solar Bears’ exceptional penalty kill and solid performance when scoring first position them well for the playoffs. However, their power play and defensive stats indicate areas for improvement. Reducing the number of shots allowed and enhancing their power play efficiency will be crucial for their postseason success.
Top Goaltenders: Ryan Fanti has been reliable for the Solar Bears with a 2.85 GAA and a .906 save percentage. Alexis Gravel also stands out with a 2.43 GAA and a .927 save percentage.
Top Forwards: Aaron Luchuk stands out with 18 goals and 26 assists, totaling 44 points, showcasing his exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities. On Saturday at South Carolina, he recorded his team-leading 13th multi-point game of the season, highlighting his consistent performance and crucial role on the team.
Penalty Minute Record: Orlando has accumulated 682 penalty minutes over 51 games, averaging 13.37 penalty minutes per game. They rank 12th in the league for penalty minutes.
Transactions:
- Mason Beaupit (G) was signed to SPC on February 8, 2025 and then releases on February 9, 2025.
- Alexis Gravel (G) was suspended by the team on February 7, 2025.
- Spencer Kersten (F) was loaned to Syracuse (AHL) on February 6, 2025.
- Ryan Fanti (G) was recalled from loan by Syracuse (AHL) on February 5, 2025.
- Hudson Thornton (D) was recalled from loan by Milwaukee (AHL) on February 9, 2025.
Upcoming Games:
- Tuesday, February 11: Home vs. Jacksonville at 7:00 PM EST
- Saturday, February 15: Away vs. Jacksonville at 7:00 PM EST
Savannah Ghost Pirates
The Savannah Ghost Pirates had a mixed week. They had a strong showing at home on Thursday, February 6, with a 6-2 victory over Trois-Rivières. However, they faced a setback on Friday, February 7, with a 5-3 home loss to Bloomington. Savannah ended the week with a narrow 3-2 home loss to Bloomington on Saturday, February 8. The Ghost Pirates are determined to bounce back in their upcoming games.
The Savannah Ghost Pirates boast a strong 22.1% power play success rate, ranking 6th, and a solid penalty kill at 82.7%, ranking 9th. They have a 13-3-2-0 record when scoring first, with a 77.8% winning percentage. The Ghost Pirates have scored 38 goals in the first period, 53 in the second, and 53 in the third, showing consistent scoring throughout the game. They have taken 460 shots in the first period, 521 in the second, and 495 in the third.
Defensively, they have allowed 45 goals in the first period, 51 in the second, and 59 in the third. They have faced 399 shots in the first period, 446 in the second, and 378 in the third. The Ghost Pirates’ strong power play and solid penalty kill, along with their good record when scoring first, make them strong playoff contenders. However, improving their defensive play, particularly in the third period, will be important to secure a playoff spot. Maintaining their offensive pressure will also be key.
Top Goaltender: Evan Cormier has been a key player for the Ghost Pirates with a 3.59 GAA and a .874 save percentage.
Top Defensemen: Dennis Cesana leads the team with 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points. Will Riedell also stands out with 8 goals and 20 assists for 28 points.
Top Forwards: Reece Vitelli leads the team with 9 goals and 33 assists for 42 points. Devon Paliani also stands out with 18 goals and 16 assists for 34 points.
Penalty Minute Record: Savannah has accumulated 532 penalty minutes over 45 games, averaging 11.82 penalty minutes per game. They rank 16th in the league for penalty minutes.
Transactions:
- Mack Guzda (G) was loaned from Charlotte (AHL) on February 7, 2025.
- Cameron Buhl (F) was traded from Utah on February 5, 2025.
- Lincoln Erne (D) was traded to Utah on February 5, 2025.
Upcoming Games:
- Thursday, February 13: Home vs. South Carolina at 7:00 PM EST
- Saturday, February 15: Away vs. Greenville at 7:05 PM EST
South Carolina Stingrays
The South Carolina Stingrays had a challenging week. They started with an away game against Orlando on Tuesday, February 4, where they lost 4-3. On Saturday, February 8, they faced Orlando again on the road and lost 3-2 in overtime. The Stingrays are looking to regroup and come back stronger in their next matches.
The South Carolina Stingrays shine with a 22.8% power play success rate, ranking 5th, and an exceptional penalty kill at 88.5%, ranking 1st. They are dominant when scoring first, with a 22-2-1-1 record and an 88.5% winning percentage. The Stingrays have scored 40 goals in the first period, 65 in the second, and 56 in the third, showing a strong middle-period performance. They have taken 456 shots in the first period, 484 in the second, and 447 in the third.
Defensively, they have allowed 27 goals in the first period, 39 in the second, and 39 in the third. They have faced 375 shots in the first period, 388 in the second, and 397 in the third. The Stingrays’ exceptional power play and penalty kill, combined with their dominance when scoring first, make them one of the top playoff contenders. Their strong defensive stats further enhance their chances. Continuing their balanced offensive and defensive performance will be crucial for a deep playoff run.
Top Goaltenders: Garin Bjorklund has been a standout for the Stingrays with a 2.07 GAA and a .923 save percentage. Seth Eisele also stands out with a 2.54 GAA and a .905 save percentage.
Top Defenseman: Connor Moore has been impressive with a 14.6 shooting percentage and 3 game-winning goals.
Top Forwards: Kyler Kupka leads the team with 20 goals and 21 assists for 41 points. Josh Wilkins also stands out with 13 goals and 17 assists for 30 points.
Penalty Minute Record: South Carolina has accumulated 769 penalty minutes over 44 games, averaging 17.48 penalty minutes per game. They rank 1st in the league for penalty minutes.
Transactions:
- Zac Funk (F) was reassigned by Washington (NHL) from Hershey (AHL) on February 8, 2025.
- Justin Nachbaur (F) was recalled from loan by Hershey (AHL) on February 8, 2025.
Upcoming Games:
- Thursday, February 13: Away vs. Savannah at 7:00 PM EST
- Saturday, February 15: Home vs. Wheeling at 6:05 PM EST
And that’s a wrap for this week’s South Division update! The intensity is only ramping up as our teams fight tooth and nail for those playoff spots. With crucial matchups and high-stakes games on the horizon, the excitement is far from over. Stay tuned and keep your eyes glued to the ice as our teams continue their quest for those points, delivering unforgettable moments and edge-of-your-seat action.
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