ECHL Match Recap: South Carolina Stingrays vs. Atlanta Gladiators | 11/3/2024 – Inside the rink

Sunday, November 3 was the first divisional game between the Atlanta Gladiators and South Carolina Stingrays this season at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Stingrays have made significant roster changes since last season, adding physicality and size, but lost key offensive players like Bryce Montgomery and Jack Adams.

The Atlanta Gladiators did show flashes of brilliance during their games. However, they struggled with consistency which affected their ability to secure the win. Their defense, led by a strong scorer, was a factor in keeping them competitive. Still, finding a balance between solid defensive play and generating consistent offensive pressure remains a challenge. With continued effort and adjustments, the Gladiators have the potential to turn these moments of brilliance into a more consistent winning formula.

Starting lines – Atlanta

Home lines – South Carolina

Team stats heading into the game

Period 1:

The Gladiators got the power play going early on a tripping penalty against South Carolina’s Dean Lucus. Despite several attempts, including a good chance by Derek Topati, the Gladiators were unable to score. The Stingrays were able to kill the penalty and the game remained scoreless with 4:03 left in the first period.

The commentary highlights the actions and tries of various players, including a remarkable save by Drew DeRidder and strong defensive play by the Gladiators. The game continues with both teams having opportunities but neither side taking advantage early on. The physical nature of the game remained evident, with several big hits by players like Atlanta’s Brenden Datema.

At the 15:40 mark of the first period, South Carolina scored to take the lead. The goal was scored by Connor Moore, his second of the season, with assists from Ryan Leibold and Jamie Engelbert. This play featured a coordinated effort, with Ryan Leibold and Jamie Engelbert setting up Moore well for the scoring opportunity. Moore took advantage of the setup by firing a shot that beat Gladiators goaltender Drew DeRidder. The goal put the Stingrays up 1-0.

DeRidder made several saves for Atlanta in the first period to keep the game close. One such save came on a shot from the left circle by Hudson Thornton that DeRidder gloved. We closed the period trailing Atlanta by one.

Here are the stats for the first period between Atlanta and South Carolina:

Period 2:

The first period between Atlanta and South Carolina was intense, and the second looked to be no different as the Gladiators looked to even things up. Atlanta’s Blake Murray was injured after a hit by Blake Thompson, but was able to return to the bench. South Carolina was strong on defense, effectively blocking Atlanta’s shots and passes. South Carolina’s Ryan Leibold was hit and fell, leading to some physical play and a Datema penalty for cross-checking (11:39). Atlanta goaltender DeRidder made several key saves to keep the score close. Ryan Cranford had a great chance for Atlanta but was stopped by South Carolina goalie Bjorklund.

Andrew Jarvis for Gladiators made a strong play through the middle which resulted in a clean run over the line. Hernandez tried to create a play by dropping the puck to Jarvis, but Bjorklund made the save with Pearson hanging in front of the South Carolina net. Atlanta has now tied its shots on goal in the first period, totaling 12 compared to South Carolina’s 20. DeRidder was excellent, making 19 saves on 20 shots, while Bjorklund stopped all 12 shots he faced.

Jackson Pearson, Cody Sylvester and Hernandez were on the ice for Atlanta as South Carolina won the faceoff and cleared the puck. Hernandez lost possession and after some physical play, Andrew Perot took a shot that DeRidder saved. With 34.3 seconds left in the second period, South Carolina gave Atlanta a 1-0 lead.

In the final 20 seconds of the second period, Sylvester was just outside his own blue line. The puck was headed into the Stingrays zone and Bjorklund almost turned it over. Charlie Combs was able to get the puck and moved it to the far side. Hanzel tried to clear it with a backhand but couldn’t. Combs came in and had a battle in the corner with Kyler Kupka, who tried to center the puck behind the goal line. A bowl was spun and with just 2 seconds remaining, Sylvester played the puck in to end the period.

Here are the stats for the second period between Atlanta and South Carolina:

Period 3:

It appeared that forward Blake Murray would not return for the third period after taking what appeared to be a significant hit in the second period. In the third period of the game between the Atlanta Gladiators and the South Carolina Stingrays, the Gladiators trailed 1-0. The period began with a strong Randy Hernandez push for Atlanta, but South Carolina’s defense, including Connor Moore and Hudson Thornton, was able to keep them at bay. Cody Sylvester and other Gladiators players actively tried to create scoring chances, but the South Carolina goaltender made several more key saves. The game remained tight with both teams fighting hard, but the Gladiators were still looking for that equalizer.

The Atlanta Gladiators started the third period down 1-0 against the South Carolina Stingrays. Randy Hernandez quickly made a shot toward the South Carolina net, but Cody Sylvester’s cross found no one. The Stingrays’ Tyler Weiss and Jeremy Davidson were active, with Davidson getting a shot that was stopped by the Atlanta keeper. South Carolina’s Connor Moore, who scored the lone goal so far, continued to be a key player, getting hit but maintaining his presence on the ice. The Stingrays goalie made several more important saves, including a high shot by Cody Sylvester and a close-range effort by Eric Neely.

Despite Atlanta’s efforts, including a strong turnaround from the line of Josh Boyer, Ryan Cranford and Michael Marchesan, they struggled to get past Bjorklund. South Carolina’s defense, led by the likes of Thornton and Lucas, was able to clear the puck and prevent Atlanta from tying the game. The period was marked by prolonged back-and-forth action, with both teams fighting hard. Carabia and Atlanta’s Datema were solid defensively, while South Carolina’s offense, including Combs and Kupka, kept the pressure on.

After Atlanta pulled their goaltender in the closing moments, Cody Sylvester’s pass to Neely was clutch, finally breaking through Bjorklund’s defense to tie the game at 1-1. Now we’re in overtime!

Here are the third period stats between the Atlanta Gladiators and the Savannah Ghost Pirates:

Overtime

Eric Neely had a close chance to end the game but was denied by a smart shot by South Carolina goaltender G. Bjorklund. Joey Cipollone excelled in the bouts and showed great speed. Micah Miller and Ryan Cranford made key plays, with Cranford coming up big. Blake Thompson had a remarkable offensive effort, but DeRidder made a crucial save. Connor Moore and Engelbert had opportunities but the game remained tied. Finally, Tyler Weiss scored the winning goal for South Carolina, securing the extra point in a dramatic finish. The final score was 2-1, South Carolina.

Game notes

Next up

The Atlanta Gladiators will take on the Orlando Solar Bears on Wednesday, November 6th at 7:00 PM EST at the Kia Center. The South Carolina Stingrays will play the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Friday, November 8th at 7:05 PM EST at the North Charleston Coliseum.