PHOTOS: Orlando Solar Bears vs. Atlanta Gladiators – 12/03/2023

Taylor Trebotte for Inside the Rink

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.


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

ECHL: Adirondack Thunder Sign Brannon McManus

The Adirondack Thunder have announced that they’ve signed Brannon McManus for the 2025-26 season. In 61 games last season with the Fort Wayne Komets, the 26-year-old had 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points. He would have one goal in seven games during the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs. McManus was acquired by the Thunder […]

Read More

ECHL: Toledo Walleye Re-Sign Conlan Keenan for Fifth Season

The Toledo Walleye have made another key move this week, following a round of qualifying offers and the recent re-signing of forward Sam Craggs. Conlan Keenan is officially returning to the Walleye for his fifth season with the team. A Familiar Face with a Rochester Connection A native of Rochester, New York, Keenan has become […]

Read More

ECHL: Orlando Solar Bears Name Matt MacDonald Head Coach and GM

The Orlando Solar Bears have officially named Matt MacDonald as their new Head Coach and General Manager ahead of the 2025–26 ECHL season. A familiar face within the league, MacDonald brings with him nearly two decades of pro hockey experience as a player, coach, and executive. A Proven Leader Returns to the ECHL MacDonald served […]

Read More