Atlanta Wins 4th Game in Their Last 5 with 4-2 victory Over Mavericks

The Gladiators picked up their fourth win in their last five games and their first victory on home ice with a 4-2 triumph over the Kansas City Mavericks on Saturday night. Sean Bonar made 34 saves in his Atlanta debut and saw his team get four goals, all from different goal-scorers, to earn revenge of last night’s shootout loss to the Mavericks.

For the fourth straight game, the Gladiators scored the game’s first goal. 8:36 into the frame with the Gladiators shorthanded, Chase Witala picked a loose puck at center ice and moved into his offensive zone one-on-two. The Prince George, AB native split the defense with a dazzling stick handling move and then deaked around the Kansas City netminder, Tyler Parsons and scored his second goal of the campaign. The highlight reel tally was assisted by Cody Carlson.

Atlanta doubled their lead 13:06 into the opening period. Alexandre Carrier redirected a point shot from Colin Sullivan that eluded Parsons into the net. Carrier’s first as a Gladiator was assisted by Taylor Stefishen, who recorded his first point with Atlanta on the play as well.

Kansas City cut the Atlanta lead in half just over a minute after the Carrier strike. Kayle Doetzel blasted a shot from the high-slot that snuck through a screen in front and beat Atlanta goalie, Sean Bonar. The top two leading scorers for the Mavericks, Matt Robertson and Mike McMurtry notched helpers on Doetzel’s first of the year.

The Gladiators increased their advantage back to a pair with a power play mark 11:13 into the middle stanza. Derek Nesbitt took a one-time shot from the right circle that was deflected on goal by Taylor Doherty standing in front. After a Parsons save kicked the puck to the top of the crease, Alex Gacek slammed in the rebound for his second goal in as many nights.

Atlanta emerged with their biggest lead of the night 4:25 into the third period. Ben Danford ripped a shot from the right circle that slipped past Parsons into the top-shelf of the net. Phil Lane and Thomas Frazee extended their point streaks with the assists on Danford's tally that gave the Minnesota native goals in back-to-back games.

Kansas City managed a late score in the third from Rocco Carzo but the comeback attempt fell short as Bonar and the Glads held on for the 4-2 win on home ice. Atlanta registered their first win at home this season and moved their point total to nine on the year. The victory also advanced the Gladiators point streak to five games with their fourth win in their last five contests.

Up next, Atlanta hits the road for four straight games starting next Wednesday in Norfolk, VA against the Admirals at the Norfolk Scope. Puck drop set for 7:00pm between the two south division rivals.