ECHL: The Atlanta Gladiators’ Ongoing Battle for Momentum

After breaking a 9-game losing streak with a win against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, the Gladiators entered Saturday night’s game against the Solar Bears, hoping to keep that momentum going as they headed into the holiday break. Notably, Fossier, Casparie (IR), Luke Prokop, and Machesan (IR) were absent, but the team welcomed back Reece Vitelli, who had previously proven to be a vital member of the line alongside Sylvester and Miller.

FIRST PERIOD

Looking to establish an early advantage, the Gladiators seemed determined as they hit the ice. The Gladiators kicked off the game with an impressive start, with Cody Sylvester scoring the opening goal by capitalizing on a rebound (6:21). This goal was made with the assistance of Blake Evennou and Micah Miller. The Gladitaors lead 1-0.

As the game continued, the Gladiators were given a power play opportunity when the Solar Bears received a penalty for holding. However, the Gladiators were unable to capitalize on the man advantage as the Solar Bears would successfully kill the penalty. We would continually see some fire from the line of Vitelli, Sylvester, and Miller throughout the period as the Gladiators pressed forward.

Orlando would answer back late in the second period, with Aaron Luchuk getting one past Gustavs Grigals (16:37). The Gladiators would go on the PK at the end of the period when Jacob Graves would get called for boarding. Atlanta rides out the period, not allowing the Solar Bears to get a scoring advantage on the Graves’ penalty.

Atlanta saw 15 shots on goal, with Orlando’s shots on goal standing at 14 with the score remaining 1-1 as we closed the period.

SECOND PERIOD

Solar Bears’ forward Brayden Low would give Orlando the lead just 5:28 into the period after a 2-on-1 advantage, making it a 2-1 game. Later, Jack Matier made his way to the penalty box after being called for hooking, sending the Gladiators on the PK (10:05). Carson Gicewicz had a short-handed breakaway opportunity but was unable to convert, missing the shot just wide of the net.

Jacob Graves would find himself heading back to the sin bin, this time for both roughing and interference (17:57) after getting into a heated discussion with Jeremie Biakabutuka, who also joined in on the sin bin action for roughing.

Mitchell Hoelscher of Orlando would take quick advantage and increase the Solar Bears’ lead on the PP after making it past a completely undefended Grigals at 18:22 to make it 3-1 Solar Bears. Needless to say, the second period did not go the way of the Gladiators offensively for much of the middle frame.

THIRD PERIOD
Despite being down by two, the Gladiators hoped to make a comeback in the third period. However, they repeatedly found themselves trapped in their zone, constantly on the defensive. The Gladiators fought to stay in the game, with one shot nearly making it past the line, but “Goose” would just barely be able to prevent the puck from making its way past the goal line. Gringals making one remarkable save after another.

As time continued to wind down, Mitch Walinski attempted a shot but missed the net. Orlando continued to push forward. Despite Grigals’ two back-to-back saves, ultimately, Tanner Dickinson of the Solar Bears scored, increasing Orlando’s lead to 4-1.

The Gladiators, feeling the frustration, would find themselves in quite the scrum with Orlando. Tyler Bird continued to kick things up, with the referees at first unable to get things back under control. Tyler Bird did not draw a penalty for his part in that fight. The Gladiators trio of Cranford, Gicewicz, and Mutter, however, would make their way into the penalty box. They are joined by Biakabutuka, with Schachle getting a 10-minute misconduct and exiting the game. Moments later, Ryan Cox, on the one-timer, got it past the legs of Grigals and making it 5-1 for the Solar Bears (12:35). Late in the third period, another fight broke out, yet neither team incurred any penalties. Moments later, another penalty by the Solar Bears gives the Gladiators the man advantage, but Atlanta fails to net a goal on the PP.

The Gladiators fall to the Solar Bears in regulation, 5-1.

Takeaways from the Game

• Gladiators took the lead in the first period but failed to score for the remainder of the game.
• Grigals again made some noteworthy saves for the Gladiators, but several moments occurred in the second period where the Gladiators could have increased defensive pressure.
• The ill-timed PP opportunities given to the opposing team continue to be an issue for the Gladiators.
• The Solar Bears were able to score five straight unanswered goals against the Gladiators.
• The Gladiators have yet to win a game when they’re behind after two periods of play.

Three Stars:
1. ORL – B. Low
2. ORL – A. Luchuk
3. ORL – C. Ellis

The Atlanta Gladiators take the game back on the road after the holiday, matching up against the South Carolina Stingrays on Wednesday, December 27th, with a puck drop at 7:05 pm. They will return to home ice the following Friday night, December 29th, as they match up against the Savannah Ghost Pirates at 7:05 pm.