Atlanta hosted the Wichita Thunder for the first ever meeting between the two clubs in their inaugural education day game. The Gladiators struck first and added to their league lead in first period goals, as A.J. White found the back of the net 4:22 into the game. The rookie was at the front of the net when Tyler Shiplo took a shot from the far-side boards, resulting in an easy rebound opportunity. The tally was White’s first goal of his professional career, while Shiplo notched his second assist on the year with the helper.
Atlanta would then double their lead to 2-0, with Tyler Murovich sending a long wrist shot over the glove of Scott Greenham 4:03 into the middle frame. The Gladiators Alternate Captain notched his fourth goal on the year with the shot from the point. Credited with his second point of the night was White, who tallied the assist on the goal.
Wichita was then able to cut the deficit in half and find the score sheet on a wrist shot from Louick Marcotte. The second year forward received the puck to the right of Atlanta goaltender, Steve Racine, where he blasted a quick shot over his glove. Alex Krushelnyski picked up the lone assist on the play that made it 2-1.
The Thunder continued their strong play from the middle frame, and were able to knot the score at 2-2 only 38 seconds into the third period. Alexis Loiseau was able to slide a puck just past the reach of Racine and into the open net. The goal was the Quebec native’s fourth of the year, with Krushelnyski picking up his second assist of the day.
Only 25 seconds after tying the game, the visitors then gained their first lead of the game on a goal from Chris Rumble. The defenseman took a hard slap shot from the point that was able to navigate through bodies in front and find the twine. Marcotte was credited with his second point of the night after sending the original pass to Rumble.
Gabriel Gagne put the game away for the Thunder with his first goal of the year at the 16:08 mark in the final stanza. The 2015 Ottawa Senators 2nd round pick caused a turnover on the Atlanta side of the neutral zone, and was able to bring the puck into his offensive end and score on the breakaway.
After losing the lead in the third, Atlanta was never able to recover and drops to 2-3-1-1 on the year, good for 6 points. Meanwhile, Wichita improved to 3-1-0-0 after the win on the road, moving their point total to 6 as well.
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