Graveyard Gossip: Savannah Slays the Gladiators 

Playing their in-state rival team last night, the Ghost Pirates not only won a very well-played game, but they also had several players reach some big milestones. Yesterday’s game was Anthony Collins’ 500th ECHL game, which made him the 48th player in the league’s history to make it to 500. Also, it was Nolan Valleau’s 400th professional hockey game. Finally in milestones reached, Tanner Vescio scored his first goal of the season. In this very eventful night in southern ECHL hockey, the Ghost Pirates prevailed 5-2 with 31-28 shots on goal.

Savannah got the first goal of the game at 3:56 into the first period. Sebastian Vidmar scored assisted by Anthony Collins and Ross Armour. They kept the small lead until a bit later in the period when Atlanta’s Cody Sylvester had gotten a power play one-timer that barely went through Bullion’s legs. The first period ended with the score tied, but it didn’t stay like that as Savannah had a scoring frenzy in the second period. 

The second period consisted of three Savannah goals that were all unanswered. During their shut out period, Captain Boudens got a power play goal off of Vidmar and Fleming. Next up in the goal frenzy was Brent Pederson, who got the team another power play goal off of Pinard and Valleau. Lastly, Tanner Vescio got his first goal of the season on assists from Marleau and Pederson. 

As for wrapping up the game in the third period, there was one goal from each team. Aside from the goals, there was a lot of rivalry tension being unleashed. Cody Sylvester got the Gladiators’ second and last goal of the night, while Pat Guay got Savannah’s fifth and last of the game. Joe Fleming, who had been trying to get someone to drop the gloves with him all night, was finally successful in the last period. He dropped them with Ryan Cranford late in the game. 

The Ghost Pirates had an incredible win against their in-state rivals. Tonight, they will face the Swamp Rabbits at home.