ECHL: South Division Weekly Recap | Week 6

As we dive into the latest action from the South Division, it’s clear that the competition is heating up. With thrilling matchups and standout performances, the standings are constantly shifting, reflecting the dynamic nature of the league and especially in the South Division. This week, we’ll take a closer look at how each team is faring, highlight key games that have influenced the rankings, and provide insights into the players who are making a significant impact. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching up, our comprehensive recap each week will keep you informed on all the exciting developments in the South Division. Stay tuned as we break down the highs and lows of the past week and preview what’s to come!

Current South Division Standings

Here are the current standings for the South Division:

1. Florida Everblades: Leading the division with a record of 12-3-0-0, the Everblades have accumulated 24 points and boast a win percentage of 80.0%. They have scored 52 goals while allowing only 24.
2. South Carolina Stingrays: With a strong record of 10-4-1-0, the Stingrays have accumulated 21 points and have a win percentage of 70.0%. They have scored 58 goals while allowing 32.
3. Savannah Ghost Pirates: Holding a record of 9-6-0-0, the Ghost Pirates have accumulated 18 points and have a win percentage of 60.0%. They have scored 55 goals while allowing 46.
4. Greenville Swamp Rabbits: With a record of 8-4-1-0, the Swamp Rabbits have accumulated 17 points and have a win percentage of 65.4%. They have scored 36 goals while allowing 42.
5. Jacksonville Icemen: The Icemen have a record of 7-4-2-0, accumulating 16 points with a win percentage of 61.5%. They have scored 40 goals while allowing 36.
6. Orlando Solar Bears: With a record of 7-9-1-0, the Solar Bears have accumulated 15 points and have a win percentage of 44.1%. They have scored 43 goals while allowing 51.
7. Atlanta Gladiators: The Gladiators have a record of 5-8-3-0, accumulating 13 points with a win percentage of 40.6%. They have scored 28 goals while allowing 45.

Division Comparison Week-To-Week

Here is a comparison of the current standings with last week’s standings:

1. Florida Everblades
   • Current: Leading the division with a record of 12-3-0-0, the Everblades have accumulated 24 points and boast a win percentage of 80.0%. They have scored 52 goals while allowing only 24.
   • Last Week: With a record of 9-3-0-0, the Everblades had 18 points and a win percentage of 75%. They had scored 40 goals while allowing 20.
   • Change: Improved their record by three wins, increasing their points by six and their win percentage by 5%. They scored 12 more goals and allowed 4 more.
   • League Position: 1st in the South Division, 1st in the league.
2. South Carolina Stingrays
   • Current: With a strong record of 10-4-1-0, the Stingrays have accumulated 21 points and have a win percentage of 70.0%. They have scored 58 goals while allowing 32.
   • Last Week: Leading the league with a record of 9-2-1-0, the Stingrays had accumulated 19 points and boasted a win percentage of 79.2%. They had scored 50 goals while allowing only 22.
   • Change: Added a win and two losses, increasing their points by 2 but decreasing their win percentage by 9.2%. They scored eight more goals and allowed 10 more.
   • League Position: 2nd in the South Division, 3rd in the league.
3. Savannah Ghost Pirates
   • Current: Holding a record of 9-6-0-0, the Ghost Pirates have accumulated 18 points and have a win percentage of 60.0%. They have scored 55 goals while allowing 46.
   • Last Week: Holding a record of 8-5-0-0, the Ghost Pirates had 16 points and a win percentage of 61.5%. They had scored 45 goals while allowing 38.
   • Change: Added a win and a loss, increasing their points by two but slightly decreasing their win percentage by 1.5%. They scored 10 more goals and allowed 8 more.
   • League Position: 3rd in the South Division, 14th in the league.
4. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
   • Current: With a record of 8-4-1-0, the Swamp Rabbits have accumulated 17 points and have a win percentage of 65.4%. They have scored 36 goals while allowing 42.
   • Last Week: With a record of 5-4-1-0, the Swamp Rabbits had 11 points and a win percentage of 55%. They had scored 23 goals while allowing 36.
   • Change: Added 3 wins, increasing their points by six and their win percentage by 10.4%. They scored 13 more goals and allowed six more.
   • League Position: 4th in the South Division, 9th in the league.
5. Jacksonville Icemen
   • Current: The Icemen have a record of 7-4-2-0, accumulating 16 points with a win percentage of 61.5%. They have scored 40 goals while allowing 36.
   • Last Week: The Icemen had a record of 5-3-1-0, accumulating 11 points with a win percentage of 61.1%. They had scored 29 goals while allowing 25.
   • Change: Added two wins, one loss, and one overtime loss, increasing their points by five and their win percentage by 0.4%. They scored 11 more goals and allowed 11 more.
   • League Position: 5th in the South Division, 12th in the league.
6. Orlando Solar Bears
   • Current: With a record of 7-9-1-0, the Solar Bears have accumulated 15 points and have a win percentage of 44.1%. They have scored 43 goals while allowing 51.
   • Last Week: With a record of 5-7-1-0, the Solar Bears had 11 points and a win percentage of 42.3%. They had scored 34 goals while allowing 38.
   • Change: Added two wins and two losses, increasing their points by four and their win percentage by 1.8%. They scored nine more goals and allowed 13 more.
   • League Position: 6th in the South Division, 22nd in the league.
7. Atlanta Gladiators
   • Current: The Gladiators have a record of 5-8-3-0, accumulating 13 points with a win percentage of 40.6%. They have scored 28 goals while allowing 45.
   • Last Week: The Gladiators had a record of 3-8-2-0, with 8 points and a win percentage of 30.8%. They had scored 18 goals while allowing 39.
   • Change: Added two wins and an overtime loss, increasing their points by five and their win percentage by 9.8%. They scored 10 more goals and allowed six more.
   • League Position: 7th in the South Division, 24th in the league.

Milestones

Tyler Bird scored the overtime game-winning goal in his 350th career ECHL game on Sunday at Toledo.

ECHL South Division Game Scores (November 18 – 24, 2024)

Atlanta Gladiators

• Nov 19: Beat Orlando Solar Bears 4-0 (Kia Center)
• Nov 22: Beat Jacksonville Icemen 3-2 (OT) (Gas South Arena)
• Nov 23: Lost to Jacksonville Icemen 3-4 (OT) (Gas South Arena)

Florida Everblades

• Nov 20: Beat Kalamazoo Wings 4-2 (Hertz Arena)
• Nov 22: Beat Kalamazoo Wings 3-2 (OT) (Hertz Arena)
• Nov 23: Beat Kalamazoo Wings 5-0 (Hertz Arena)

Greenville Swamp Rabbits

• Nov 22: Beat South Carolina Stingrays 3-2 (Bon Secours Wellness Arena)
• Nov 23: Beat Savannah Ghost Pirates 5-4 (Enmarket Arena)
• Nov 24: Beat Jacksonville Icemen 5-0 (Bon Secours Wellness Arena)

Jacksonville Icemen

• Nov 20: Beat Adirondack Thunder 5-0 (VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena)
• Nov 22: Lost to Atlanta Gladiators 2-3 (OT) (Gas South Arena)
• Nov 23: Beat Atlanta Gladiators 4-3 (OT) (Gas South Arena)
• Nov 24: Lost to Greenville Swamp Rabbits 0-5 (Bon Secours Wellness Arena)

Orlando Solar Bears

• Nov 19: Lost to Atlanta Gladiators 0-4 (Kia Center)
• Nov 22: Lost to Toledo Walleye 2-5 (Huntington Center)
• Nov 23: Beat Toledo Walleye 4-2 (Huntington Center)
• Nov 24: Beat Toledo Walleye 3-2 (OT) (Huntington Center)

Savannah Ghost Pirates

• Nov 21: Beat Adirondack Thunder 6-3 (Enmarket Arena)
• Nov 23: Lost to Greenville Swamp Rabbits 4-5 (Enmarket Arena)

South Carolina Stingrays

• Nov 22: Lost to Greenville Swamp Rabbits 2-3 (Bon Secours Wellness Arena)
• Nov 23: Beat Adirondack Thunder 5-2 (North Charleston Coliseum)
• Nov 24: Lost to Adirondack Thunder 1-5 (North Charleston Coliseum)

Score First, Win

Atlanta (ATL)

Strengths: Atlanta performs well when leading after the 1st and 2nd periods, showing they can secure wins when ahead early in the game. They have a mixed performance in close games, with a record of 3-1-3-0 in 1-goal games and 1-2-0-0 in 3-goal games. Weaknesses: They struggle defensively across all periods and have difficulty maintaining leads when trailing after the 1st and 2nd periods. They also face challenges in 2-goal and 5-goal games.

Florida (FLA)

Strengths: Florida’s perfect win percentage highlights their exceptional offensive and defensive capabilities, particularly in the 3rd period and overtime. They have been strong in 1-goal games with a 5-1-0-0 record and have performed well in 2-goal and 3-goal games. Weaknesses: Florida has very few weaknesses, but maintaining that level of performance consistently may be challenging as we get further into the season.

Greenville (GRN)

Strengths: Greenville excels when leading after the 1st and 2nd periods and has balanced scoring across all periods. They have a strong record in 1-goal games at 6-0-1-0 and have played several 3-goal games with a 1-2-0-0 record. Weaknesses: They need to tighten their defense, as they allow more goals than they score, and struggle when trailing after the 1st and 2nd periods.

Jacksonville (JAX)

Strengths: Jacksonville is consistent in their scoring and performs well when leading after the 1st and 2nd periods. They have a solid record in 1-goal games at 2-0-2-0 and have also performed well in 2-goal games with a 2-2-0-0 record. Weaknesses: They could benefit from improving their defense slightly and struggle when trailing after the 1st and 2nd periods.

Orlando (ORL)

Strengths: Orlando performs well when leading after the 1st and 2nd periods and can capitalize on early leads. They have a varied performance, with a 3-4-1-0 record in 1-goal games and a strong 3-0-0-0 in 2-goal games. Weaknesses: They struggle defensively, especially in the 3rd period, and have difficulty securing wins when trailing after the 1st and 2nd periods. They also face challenges in 3-goal games.

Savannah (SAV)

Strengths: Savannah has a strong offensive performance across all periods and maintains leads well. They have a balanced record in 1-goal games at 3-3-0-0 and have been particularly strong in 3-goal games with a 5-2-0-0 record. Weaknesses: They need to improve their defense when trailing, as they struggle to come back when behind after the 1st and 2nd periods.

South Carolina (SC)

Strengths: South Carolina is strong in all periods, particularly in the 1st and 2nd periods, and maintains leads well. They have shown versatility with a 2-2-1-0 record in 1-goal games and a perfect 4-0-0-0 in 3-goal games. Weaknesses: They have very few weaknesses due to their high win percentage, but maintaining their strong performance consistently is key.

Team News & Notes

Here are the teams listed alphabetically with their respective player stats for each team’s goal leaders, assist leaders, points leaders, notable rookies, and top defensemen:

Atlanta Gladiators

• Atlanta has scored 13 of its 28 goals in the third period.
• Goal Leader: Cody Sylvester (4 goals)
• Assist Leader: Derek Topatigh (8 assists)
• Points Leader: Cody Sylvester (11 points)
• Notable Rookie: Brenden Datema (32 penalty minutes)
• Top Defenseman: Derek Topatigh (9 points)

Florida Everblades

• Cam Johnson has three shutouts in his last four appearances.
• The Everblades have outscored their opponents 18-5 in the third period.
• Assist Leader: Reece Vitelli (14 assists)
• Points Leader: Reece Vitelli (18 points)
• Shorthanded Goals: Oliver Chau (2)
• Game-Winning Goals: Colin Theisen (4)
• Plus-Minus: Carson Gicewicz (+14)
• Top Defenseman: Connor Doherty (one shorthanded goal)

Greenville Swamp Rabbits

• Greenville is 6-0-1 in one-goal games.
• Goal Leader: Bryce Brodzinski (6 goals)
• Assist Leader: Tate Singleton (7 assists)
• Points Leader: Bryce Brodzinski (12 points)
• Game-Winning Goals: Carter Savoie (4)
• Notable Rookie: Bryce Brodzinski (12 points)
• Top Defenseman: Parker Berge (12 points)

Jacksonville Icemen

• The Icemen are 2-0-2 in one-goal games.
• Goal Leader: Zach Jordan (5 goals)
• Assist Leader: Davis Koch (8 assists)
• Points Leader: Davis Koch (11 points)
• Shooting Percentage: Brendan Harris (37.5%)
• Top Defenseman: Robert Calisti (8 assists)

Orlando Solar Bears

• Orlando is 4-0-1 when leading after one period.
• Goal Leader: Tyler Bird (8 goals)
• Assist Leader: Jack Adams (9 assists)
• Points Leader: Brayden Low (13 points)
• Shorthanded Goals: Alex Frye (2)
• Top Defenseman: Djibril Touré (6 points – 1g, 5a)

Savannah Ghost Pirates

• Riley Hughes leads the league with 12 goals.
• The Ghost Pirates are the only team to have not had a game decided beyond regulation.
• Goal Leader: Riley Hughes (12 goals)
• Assist Leader: Reece Vitelli (14 assists)
• Points Leader: Riley Hughes (18 points)
• Power-Play Goals: Ross Armour (5)
• Plus-Minus: Dennis Cesana (+15)
• Notable Rookie: Riley Hughes (18 points)
• Top Defenseman: Dennis Cesana (14 points)

South Carolina Stingrays

• South Carolina leads the league on the penalty kill at 95.1 percent (39-for-41).
• Goal Leader: Jamie Engelbert (9 goals)
• Assist Leader: Jayden Lee (11 assists)
• Points Leader: Micah Miller (15 points)
• Game-Winning Goals: Micah Miller (4)
• Notable Rookies: Jamie Engelbert (14 points), Charlie Combs (13 points), Jayden Lee (13 points)
• Top Defensemen: Jayden Lee (13 points), Connor Moore (10 points), Blake Thompson (10 points)

Streaks by Team

Atlanta (ATL)

• Assists: Patriks Marcinkevics has a 4-game assist streak with five assists from 11/15 onwards.

Florida (FLA)

• Team Streaks: Florida is currently on a 3-game winning streak as of 11/20.
• Home Winning Streak: Florida is on a 4-game home winning streak as of 11/09.

Greenville (GRN)

• Team Streaks: Greenville is on a 4-game winning streak as of 11/17.
• Home Winning Streak: Greenville is on a 3-game home winning streak as of 11/17.

Jacksonville (JAX)

• Team Streaks: Jacksonville is on a 3-game home winning streak as of 11/15.
• PIM: Chase Lang has a 5-game penalty streak with 29 PIM from 10/24 to 11/23.

Orlando (ORL)

• Team Streaks: Orlando is currently on a 5-game home losing streak as of 11/04.
• PIM: Jimmy Mazza had a 6-game penalty streak with 26 PIM from 11/06 to 11/17.

Savannah (SAV)

• Assists: Logan Drevitch has a 5-game assist streak with 6 assists from 11/13 onwards.
• PIM: Riley Hughes had a 4-game penalty streak with 21 PIM from 10/30 to 11/09.

South Carolina (SC)

• Goals: Jamie Engelbert has an 8-game goal streak with nine goals from 11/09 onwards.
• Points: Jamie Engelbert has a 10-game point streak with 12 points from 11/03 onwards.
• PIM: Tyler Weiss has a 4-game penalty streak with 22 PIM from 11/16 onwards.
• Road Points Streak: South Carolina had a 4-game road winning streak from 11/13 to 11/17.

Goaltending Leaders

Justen Close (JAX): Close has played six games, clocking 342 minutes with a record of three wins, two losses, and an overtime loss. He has a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.45 and a save percentage (SV%) of 0.920. Compared to the league, Close’s GAA is slightly higher, placing him in the middle tier, but his SV% is solid, indicating reliable performance under pressure.

Ethan Haider (ATL): Haider has appeared in eight games, totaling 475 minutes. He has four wins and four losses, with a GAA of 2.27 and an SV% of 0.919. Haider’s GAA is slightly better than Close’s, and his SV% is comparable, making him a dependable goaltender for Atlanta, though not among the absolute top in the league. Additionally, Haider was recently selected as the Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week, highlighting his exceptional performance and contribution to his team.

Alexis Gravel (ORL): Gravel has played four games, with 242 minutes on the ice. He has two wins and two losses, a GAA of 1.99, and an SV% of 0.940. Gravel’s GAA and SV% are impressive, placing him among the top goaltenders in the league, showcasing his strong defensive capabilities.

Seth Eisele (SC): Eisele has played six games, totaling 360 minutes. He has four wins, one loss, and one overtime loss, with a GAA of 1.67 and an SV% of 0.944. Eisele’s stats are outstanding, with one of the best GAAs and SV%s in the league, making him a top performer.

Cam Johnson (FLA): Johnson has played 9 games, with 542 minutes. He has 8 wins and 1 loss, a GAA of 1.33, and an SV% of 0.941. Johnson leads the league in wins and has one of the lowest GAAs, along with a high SV%, making him arguably the best goaltender in the league.

These goaltenders are performing well, with Johnson and Eisele standing out as top performers in the league. Gravel also shows strong potential, while Close and Haider are making their way up reach the top tier. Haider’s recent recognition as the Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week further underscores his capabilities and impact on the ice.

Exciting Matchups (November 26-December 1, 2024)

Tuesday, November 26

• Savannah at Orlando – 7:00 PM EST

Wednesday, November 27

• Greenville at Atlanta – 7:00 PM EST
• South Carolina at Jacksonville – 7:00 PM EST

Thursday, November 28

• Florida at Fort Wayne – 7:35 PM EST

Friday, November 29

• Jacksonville at Orlando – 7:00 PM EST
• Greenville at South Carolina – 7:05 PM EST
• Savannah at Atlanta – 7:30 PM EST
• Florida at Fort Wayne – 7:35 PM EST

Saturday, November 30

• Savannah at Atlanta – 7:00 PM EST
• Greenville at Jacksonville – 7:00 PM EST
• Florida at Fort Wayne – 7:35 PM EST

Sunday, December 1

• South Carolina at Orlando – 3:00 PM EST

What’s Next?

It’s shaping up to be another thrilling week for the South Division! With key matchups on the horizon, fans can expect intense battles and potential shifts in the standings.

Alphabetically Listed – Home Venue

South Division Matchups by Home Venue

Atlanta Gladiators

Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 7:00 PM EST: Greenville Swamp Rabbits @ Atlanta Gladiators, Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia.
Friday, November 29, 2024, 7:30 PM EST: Savannah Ghost Pirates @ Atlanta Gladiators, Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia. Marvel Night featuring Wolverine.
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 7:00 PM EST: Savannah Ghost Pirates @ Atlanta Gladiators, Gas South Arena, Duluth, Georgia.

Jacksonville Icemen

Wednesday, November 27, 2024, 7:00 PM EST: South Carolina Stingrays @ Jacksonville Icemen, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida. Gobble Wobble – Pre-game event with drinks and snacks to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family!
Saturday, November 30, 2024, 7:00 PM EST: Greenville Swamp Rabbits @ Jacksonville Icemen, VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida. Pucks & Paws Night, presented by Forever Vets Animal Hospital – Fans may bring a furry friend to the game! A dog race will take place during intermission.

Orlando Solar Bears

Tuesday, November 26, 2024, 7:00 PM EST: Savannah Ghost Pirates @ Orlando Solar Bears, Amway Center, Orlando, Florida. Mental Health Awareness / Mustache Night.
Friday, November 29, 2024, 7:00 PM EST: Jacksonville Icemen @ Orlando Solar Bears, Amway Center, Orlando, Florida. Underwear Toss.
Sunday, December 1, 2024, 3:00 PM EST: South Carolina Stingrays @ Orlando Solar Bears, Amway Center, Orlando, Florida.

COMING SOON! The Teddy Bear Toss!

The Teddy Bear Toss is a beloved tradition in ECHL hockey where fans throw teddy bears onto the ice after the home team scores its first goal. These teddy bears are then collected and donated to local charities, bringing joy to children during the holiday season. Here are the details for each team, along with their league standings, predictions, and how close the teams were last season:

Here are the teams listed in order of the number of stuffed animals counted during last year’s Teddy Bear Toss:

1. Jacksonville Icemen
   • Last Year’s Toss Count: 14,762
   • Event Date: 12/6/2024
   • League Standing: 1st place
   • 2024-2025 Prediction: The Jacksonville Icemen are ready to ice the competition and toss their way to victory for a second straight year!
2. South Carolina Stingrays
   • Last Year’s Toss Count: 14,237
   • Event Date: 12/7/2024
   • League Standing: 2nd place
   • 2024-2025 Prediction: The South Carolina Stingrays are ready to sting the competition and toss their way to a beary successful season!
3. Atlanta Gladiators
   • Last Year’s Toss Count: 13,624
   • Event Date: 12/13/2024
   • League Standing: 3rd place
   • 2024-2025 Prediction: Predicted to remain a strong competitor. The Atlanta Gladiators are ready to are ready to roar into action and toss their way to the top!
4. Orlando Solar Bears
   • Last Year’s Toss Count: 10,674
   • Event Date: 12/22/2024
   • 2024-2025 Prediction: Predicted to have a solid bear count and potentially compete for a plush position in the standings.
5. Florida Everblades
   • Last Year’s Toss Count: 6,939
   • Event Date: 12/7/2024
   • 2024-2025 Prediction: Predicted to have a competitive season, aiming for a higher spot in the teddy bear standings.
6. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
   • Last Year’s Toss Count: 1,000
   • Event Date: 12/14/2024
   • 2024-2025 Prediction: The Swamp Rabbits are ready to rise past the competition and toss their way to a beary hoppy season!
7. Savannah Ghost Pirates
   • Last Year’s Toss Count: No stuffed animal count was available at time of Inside the Rink’s publication of the results.
   • Event Date: 12/8/2024
   • 2024-2025 Prediction Will the Ghost Pirates be ready to haunt the competition and toss their way to a beary spooky season?

These events are a wonderful way for hockey fans to give back to their communities and spread some cheer!

What’s Next?

It’s shaping up to be another thrilling week for the South Division! With key matchups on the horizon, fans can expect intense battles and potential shifts in the standings.

The Atlanta Gladiators will host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Wednesday, November 27 (Glads Giving), followed by back-to-back games against the Savannah Ghost Pirates on Friday, November 29 (Marvel Night featuring Wolverine) and on Saturday, November 30. Can Atlanta defend their home turf and climb the standings? With Wolverine’s indestructible spirit and claws of adamantium, the Gladiators are ready to slash through the competition!

The Jacksonville Icemen face a tough challenge as they welcome the South Carolina Stingrays on Wednesday, November 27 (Gobble Wobble Night) and then the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Saturday, November 30 (Pucks & Paws Night). Can the Icemen freeze out the competition and skate to victory? With the Thanksgiving spirit and the energy of their furry fans, the Icemen are ready to gobble up the goals and unleash a paw-some performance!

The Orlando Solar Bears have a busy week, starting with a game against the Savannah Ghost Pirates on Tuesday, November 26 (Mental Health Awareness / Mustache Night), followed by a clash with the Jacksonville Icemen on Friday, November 29 (Underwear Toss), and wrapping up with the South Carolina Stingrays on Sunday, December 1. Can Orlando secure crucial wins in front of their fans and climb the standings? With their mustaches ready and spirits high, the Solar Bears are ready to brief the competition and light up the ice!

As we enter week seven, it will be fascinating to see how these matchups impact the standings and the overall dynamics of the South Division. As the week unfolds, we will continue to review how these matchups impact the standings and the overall dynamics of the South Division. Where will the teams stand after this action-packed week? Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each team’s performances and explore how they influence the league.

Join us next week for more insights and analysis on the key players driving their teams towards success in the South.