Gladiators Complete Late Third Period Comeback with 2-1 Win in Jacksonville

After a scoreless first period, Jacksonville broke the deadlock 7:35 into the middle session. Chris Dienes received the puck at the point and took a quick shot towards the goal. Standing in front, Jimmy Lodge was able to redirect the puck into the goal through the five-hole of Atlanta’s starting goalie, Sean Bonar. Dajon Mingo received credit for the secondary assist on Lodge’s fourth goal of the season.

After a bevy of chances to start the third, Atlanta finally broke through with the equalizer at the 12:15 mark of the final period. Ben Marshall led a rush into the IceMen zone and threw a saucer pass to the far circle. An awaiting Alex Gacek slammed a one-timer past the right shoulder of Jacksonville’s goalie, Colten Phinney for his sixth tally of the season.

Atlanta earned their first lead of the game just over two minutes after the first Gladiators’ strike with a power play goal. After a quick passing play, Lindsay Sparks blasted a one-time shot past the blocker of Phinney from the right circle. The late go-ahead goal was assisted by Ben Danford and Brady Vail.

Jacksonville tried everything they could to get the tying-goal but Bonar made save after save late in the third to hold the Gladiators’ lead and complete the comeback win. Atlanta improved their record to 9-6-1-1 and jumped to 20 points in the standings with the win on the road. The IceMen remained at seven points in the loss with a record of 3-10-1-0.