DULUTH, Ga – For the first time this season, the Orlando Solar Bears made the trek to Gas South Arena to take on the Atlanta Gladiators for a Sunday afternoon match-up. Coming off a loss the night before, the Gladiators were eager to end the weekend with a win. Unfortunately for them, Atlanta was unable to capitalize on their many opportunities and fell to Orlando by a score of 2-1.
The first period remained scoreless despite Orlando out-shooting Atlanta 14-7. However, the Solar Bears took the lead only 34 seconds into the second period with a goal by Steve Jandric after a turnover by the Gladiators. Just a few seconds past the three-minute mark, Atlanta got their chance for redemption when Orlando’s Ben Carroll was called for hooking, sending Atlanta on the power play. Alex Whelan was quick to take advantage of the situation by scoring the game-tying goal with help from Mitchell Fossier and Cody Sylvester. The period would end tied 1-1.
The first half of the third period remained tied until Mitchell Fossier took a penalty for hooking, giving Orlando their chance to take the lead with a man advantage. And take advantage they did. Patrick Newell tipped a shot from Aaron Luchuk into the net past Gustavs Grigals with less than 30 seconds left in Orlando’s power play. The Solar Bears were able to keep their lead for the rest of the period despite Atlanta’s efforts to even the score.
Despite being the losing goaltender, Atlanta’s Gustavs Grigals stopped 35 out of 37 shots, while Colten Ellis saved 23 out of 24 shots to give Orlando the win.
Check out this photo gallery from Inside The Rink’s Taylor Trebotte for highlights from the game.
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