Coming into the weekend with a four-game win streak, the Atlanta Gladiators showcased their offensive efficiency and strong defensive play, highlighted in their recent 4-1 win over Savannah. Key players like Cody Sylvester and Eric Neiley once again delivered standout performances, while goaltender Ethan Haider’s solid presence in the net was crucial. On the other hand, the Orlando Solar Bears, who would face the Gladiators on Friday night, showed resilience despite their recent struggles, with contributions from players like Tyler Bird and Ara Nazarian.
Orlando Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
- Date: December 20, 2024
- Time: 7:30 PM EST
- Location: Gas South Arena
Period 1
:The Atlanta Gladiators secured a 3-1 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears at Gas South Arena on December 20, 2024. The game started with a strong performance from Atlanta, as Eric Neiley scored the first goal at 3:50 in the first period, assisted by Joey Cipollone and Cody Sylvester.
Despite a penalty for too many men on the ice, served by Kelly Bent, and another penalty for hooking by Blake Murray, Atlanta managed to maintain their lead. We saw both teams with only two shots each by 9:16, including a solid attempt by Joey Cipollone. Despite a penalty on Blake Murray, Jarvis made a solid shot attempt, and with just over four minutes remaining, Spencer Kersten gave Atlanta fans a moment of anxiety, but the Gladiators made the stop. There was also a hooking on Jarvis that went uncalled, much to the chagrin of the Atlanta faithful. The first period ended with Atlanta ahead 1-0, with shots on goal favoring Atlanta 6 to 3.
Shots on Goal: Orlando: 3, Atlanta: 6
Goal Scorers: Eric Neiley (Atlanta) at 3:50, assisted by Joey Cipollone and Cody Sylvester.
Penalties: Orlando: Bench minor for too many men on the ice, served by Kelly Bent at 10:44. Atlanta: Blake Murray for hooking at 11:38.
Powerplay Results: Orlando: 0/1, Atlanta: 0/1
Period 2
In the second period, Atlanta continued their offensive push. A shot by Jarvis just went wide left of the goal. Fanti later made a save on a shot by the Gladiators from near the blueline. The Gladiators had some great defensive maneuvers, keeping the front of the net clear and deflecting any oncoming shot attempts. It would be Atlanta that found the scoreboard when Anthony Firriolo scored at 6:07, assisted by Carson Denomie and Derek Topatigh.
However, Atlanta faced a temporary setback when Michael Marchesan was penalized for elbowing. Orlando capitalized on this opportunity, with Tyler Bird scoring at 13:22, assisted by Ara Nazarian and Brayden Low, bringing the score to 2-1. Despite this, Atlanta’s defense held strong, and the period ended without further goals.
Shots on Goal: Orlando: 12, Atlanta: 10
Goal Scorers: Anthony Firriolo (Atlanta) at 6:07, assisted by Carson Denomie and Derek Topatigh. Tyler Bird (Orlando) at 13:22, assisted by Ara Nazarian and Brayden Low.
Penalties: Atlanta: Michael Marchesan for elbowing at 7:15.
Powerplay Results: Orlando: 0/1, Atlanta: No powerplay opportunities
Period 3
The third period saw both teams battling hard, but it was Atlanta who sealed the victory with an empty-net goal by Carson Denomie at 19:54, assisted by Ryan Cranford. This final goal brought the score to 3-1. Throughout the game, Atlanta’s goaltender Ethan Haider was a key player, making 21 saves on 22 shots. The game concluded with Atlanta outshooting Orlando 28 to 22. The Gladiators’ disciplined play and effective penalty kill were crucial in their win, with the team showing strong defensive and offensive coordination
Shots on Goal: Orlando: 7, Atlanta: 12
Penalties: No penalties in the third period.
Powerplay Results: No powerplay opportunities for either team
Game Summary
In last night’s game, Atlanta won 35 faceoffs compared to Orlando’s 28. Defensively, Atlanta blocked 15 shots while Orlando blocked 12. The game was physical, with Atlanta recording 22 hits and Orlando 18. Eric Neiley led Atlanta with 22:15 minutes on ice, and Tyler Bird led Orlando with 21:30 minutes. Atlanta’s penalty kill was perfect, stopping both of Orlando’s powerplay opportunities, though they did not score on their own powerplay chance. Goaltender Ethan Haider had an impressive save percentage of .955, stopping 21 of 22 shots, while Orlando’s Ryan Fanti had a save percentage of .893, stopping 25 of 28 shots.
Player Highlights:
- Carson Denomie: Contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, including the game-sealing empty-net goal.
- Tyler Bird: Led Orlando in ice time and scored their only goal, demonstrating his importance to the team.
- Ara Nazarian: Provided an assist on Bird’s goal, continuing his role as a key playmaker for Orlando.
- Ryan Fanti: Despite the loss, Fanti made several key saves to keep Orlando in the game, ending with a respectable save percentage.
Three Stars of the Game:
- Anthony Firriolo (Atlanta): Scored his first goal of the season and played a crucial role in defense.
- Eric Neiley (Atlanta): Scored the opening goal and led his team in ice time.
- Ethan Haider (Atlanta): Made 21 saves on 22 shots, maintaining a high save percentage and securing the win for his team.
The Atlanta Gladiators’ 3-1 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears at Gas South Arena on December 20, 2024, was a testament to their strong team play and effective strategy. The Gladiators’ ability to win faceoffs, block shots, and deliver hits, combined with their perfect penalty kill, underscored their dominance. With standout performances from key players and a disciplined approach, Atlanta continues to build on their impressive run. This victory serves as a strong lead-in to their upcoming game against the Jacksonville Icemen on Saturday night, where they will look to extend their winning streak and maintain their momentum.
Jacksonville Icemen vs Atlanta Gladiators
Date: December 21, 2024
Time: 7:01 PM EST
Location: Gas South Arena
Period 1
The Gladiators displayed strong stick defense in front of Drew DeRidder’s net early on, successfully clearing the puck. Atlanta’s Carson Denomie came close to scoring but missed. The Gladiators then focused on advancing the puck towards Jacksonville’s end, while Matt Vernon made a crucial save for Atlanta. The Icemen kept pressing, and Brendan Harris scored against DeRidder at 4:16, putting Jacksonville ahead 1-0, with assists from Brayden Hislop and Noah Laaouan. Joey Cipollone nearly had a chance but missed, and a high-sticking penalty on him sent the Gladiators to the penalty kill.
Despite being on the penalty kill, the Gladiators effectively countered the Icemen’s man advantage. The puck moved constantly between the teams as they each sought to gain the upper hand. Cipollone’s shot was blocked, and Patriks Marcinkevics’ shot on Vernon was stopped. The Gladiators pressed hard, but Vernon made the save. Dominiks Marcinkevics made contact with the puck but couldn’t score. Both teams sent players to the box – Logan Cockerill and Carson Denomie – leading to a 4-on-4.
Vernon made a crucial save as Eric Neiley surged towards the net for the Gladiators. Cody Sylvester intercepted the puck, allowing Atlanta to maneuver it effectively. The Icemen continued their offensive efforts and fought back. The Gladiators’ shot attempt was deflected. The Icemen faced a dangerous opportunity against DeRidder, but he made the save. Moments later, he lost sight of the puck, allowing Logan Cockerill to score again for the Icemen at 15:40, bringing the score to 2-0. Davis Koch and Carter Allen provided the assists.
Jeremy Hanzel’s attempt to score against Vernon fell short. The Gladiators made a strike on goal with Randy Hernández from the right, followed by Blake Murray. Patriks Marcinkevics passed to Brenden Datema, but Vernon made another impressive save. Despite impressive plays from Derek Topatigh and Carson Denomie, Vernon proved to be an impenetrable wall.
Shots on Goal: Jacksonville: 5, Atlanta: 8
Goals: Jacksonville – Brendan Harris (7) at 4:16, assisted by B. Hislop and N. Laaouan; Jacksonville – Logan Cockerill (4) at 15:40, assisted by D. Koch and C. Allen
Power Plays: Jacksonville: 0 / 1, Atlanta: 0 / 0
Period 2
Ethan Haider took his position in goal for Atlanta as the second period began. Patriks Marcinkevics’ shot from the blue line was deflected, and Eric Neiley’s wrap-around attempt was snagged by Vernon. A turnover by Atlanta gave the Icemen an opportunity, but they cleared it away.
Randy Hernández’s attempt to score for Derek Topatigh missed, and Blake Murray struck the crossbar. Neiley’s shot at Vernon was unsuccessful. Haider was scored on by the Icemen, who extended their lead to 3-0 as Ty Cheveldayoff found the net at 6:24.
Haider executed the diving stick save as the Icemen aimed for the goal. Patriks Marcinkevics had an opportunity later on but exchanged shoves behind the net with Noah Laaouan after the play. Jacksonville received a penalty, sending the Gladiators to their first power play. Brody Crane received the penalty for high sticking at 9:06. The Gladiators scored on the power play with Derek Topatigh making it 3-1 at 11:00.
Moments later, Michael Marchesan scored at 11:39, narrowing the score to 3-2. The goal was reviewed and confirmed. Vernon took charge on defense as Dylan Carabia lined up for a shot, and Blake Murray’s scoring opportunity was stopped by Vernon. Brenden Datema headed to the penalty box for tripping at 13:56, putting the Gladiators on the penalty kill. Brendan Harris passed to Liam Coughlin, who beat Haider, extending the Icemen’s lead to 4-2 at 14:46. Logan Cockerill got a hat trick at 18:35, and Chase Lang scored at 19:04, making it 6-2.
Ethan Haider took his position in goal for Atlanta as the second period began. Patriks Marcinkevics’ shot from the blue line was deflected, and Neiley’s wrap-around attempt was snagged by Vernon. A turnover by Atlanta gave the Icemen an opportunity, but they cleared it away.
Hernandez’s attempt to score for Topatigh missed, and Murray struck the crossbar. Neiley’s shot at Vernon was unsuccessful. Haider was scored on by the Icemen, who extended their lead to 3-0 as Cheveldayoff found the net at 6:24.
Haider executed a diving stick save as the Icemen aimed for the goal. P. Marcinkevics had an opportunity but exchanged shoves behind the net with Laaouan. Jacksonville received a penalty, sending the Gladiators to their first power play. Crane received a penalty for high sticking at 9:06. The Gladiators scored on the power play with Topatigh making it 3-1 at 11:00.
Moments later, Michael Marchesan scored at 11:39, narrowing the score to 3-2. The goal was reviewed and confirmed. Vernon took charge on defense as Carabia lined up for a shot, and Murray’s scoring opportunity was stopped by Vernon. Datema headed to the penalty box for tripping at 13:56, putting the Gladiators on the penalty kill. Harris passed to Coughlin, who beat Haider, extending the Icemen’s lead to 4-2 at 14:46. Cockerill got a hat trick at 18:35, and Chris Lang scored at 19:04, making it 6-2.
Shots on Goal: Jacksonville: 9, Atlanta: 14
Goals: Jacksonville – T. Cheveldayoff (4) at 6:24, assisted by B. Hislop and J. Hampton; Atlanta – D. Topatigh (5) at 11:00, assisted by C. Denomie and J. Pierson (Power Play); Atlanta – M. Marchesan (3) at 11:39; Jacksonville – L. Cockerill (5) at 14:46, assisted by L. Coughlin and B. Harris (Power Play); Jacksonville – L. Cockerill (6) at 18:35, assisted by N. Laaouan and B. Harris; Jacksonville – C. Lang (2) at 19:04
Power Plays: Jacksonville: 1 / 2, Atlanta: 1 / 1
Period 3
The Icemen had a chance for a breakaway but couldn’t capitalize. Soon after, they attempted a shot on goal that went wide to the right. There was some high-sticking on the play, yet the referees chose not to penalize it. Logan Cockerill fired a shot at Haider, which was successfully blocked. Michael Marchesan was hit in the face by a puck and swiftly skated off the ice toward the locker room. Jeremy Hanzel took another shot on Vernon but was denied once again. A strike from Atlanta was caught just in time by Vernon as Cody Sylvester had a fantastic opportunity against the goaltender.
Jacksonville maintained their pressure on the Gladiators, who struggled to find their footing and build any momentum. Andrew Jarvis took a shot on goal, but it missed its target after being tipped. Joey Cipollone’s shot on Vernon was denied by the netminder.
The Gladiators’ Easton Armstrong took a shot with laser focus aimed at Vernon, only to be blocked by the goaltender’s glove. Shortly after, Ty Cheveldayoff found himself in the penalty box, granting the Gladiators an opportunity for a power play. Patriks Marcinkevics let a shot fly from the left side, but Vernon responded swiftly with a save. Next, Jackson Pierson attempted a shot from the right circle, which was again thwarted by Vernon. As the power play concluded, Haider executed a diving save; however, just moments later, Jonathan Hampton slipped one through the five-hole of the Atlanta goaltender at 12:58. Brayden Hislop drew a penalty, sending Atlanta’s Dominiks Marcinkevics to the sin bin at 13:29. With too many men for the Icemen, they sent one of their own, with Jonathan Hampton serving for Jacksonville at 14:29.
As the final minutes of the game wound down, the Gladiators attempted to gain some traction, even with the uphill battle they faced, but were unable to get back on the scoreboard. The game finished with the Icemen taking the win, 7-2.
Shots on Goal: Jacksonville: 7, Atlanta: 11
Goals: Jacksonville – Hampton at 12:58
Penalties: Jacksonville – Cheveldayoff at 14:29, Atlanta – D. Marcinkevics at 13:29
Power Plays: Jacksonville: 0 / 1, Atlanta: 0 / 1
Player Highlights:
- Logan Cockerill: Achieved a hat trick, demonstrating his scoring prowess.
- Brendan Harris: Contributed with a goal and two assists, playing a key role in Jacksonville’s offense.
- Matt Vernon: Made several key saves, ending with a save percentage of .939.
Goalies:
- Jacksonville: Matt Vernon: 31 saves on 33 shots
- Atlanta: Drew DeRidder: 3 saves on 5 shots, Ethan Haider: 14 saves on 19 shots
Three Stars of the Game:
- Logan Cockerill (Jacksonville): Scored three goals, leading his team to victory.
- Brendan Harris (Jacksonville): Scored a goal and provided two assists.
- B. Hislop (Jacksonville): Provided two assists, contributing to the team’s offensive success.
Game Summary:
Despite entering the game with high hopes of extending their winning streak, the Atlanta Gladiators faced a tough challenge against the Jacksonville Icemen on December 21, 2024. The Icemen’s relentless pressure and effective scoring led to a 7-2 defeat for the Gladiators. Key moments included a hat trick by Logan Cockerill and strong performances from Brendan Harris and Matt Vernon. While the Gladiators showed flashes of their potential seen in the last five games, they were unable to overcome Jacksonville’s intensity on Saturday night.
The Gladiators will look to regroup and come back stronger in their next matchup on Friday, December 27th when the Greenville Swamp Rabbits make their return to Gas South Arena.
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