Slow Start Hinders Glads in 4-1 Loss in Norfolk

NORFOLK, VA  -  The Gladiators traveled to Norfolk for their third straight game against the Admirals.  Hindered by a slow start that put the Glads in a hole, Atlanta was unable to comeback and overcome the Admirals and took the 4-1 loss Friday night.  

Norfolk was awarded a two-man power play early in the game and took full advantage and scored the contest’s first goal.  After some quick passing around the Glads’ zone, Kevin Klima found Derek Angeli open on the back-post. The forward scored his first goal of the season with a one-timer past Atlanta goalie, Colton Phinney.

The Admirals doubled their lead 12:55 into the first period. Luke Nogard led the rush into the Atlanta zone and sent a drop pass to an oncoming Jacob Graves. The third-year pro sailed a wrist shot over the glove of Phinney from the low-slot for his first goal on the year to put the Admirals ahead by two. 

The home-side added their third of the game 4:50 into the middle frame. Nogard collected his second point on the evening after burring the puck on a net-mouth scramble in front. Dominic Alberga and Matt McMarrow earned the assists on Nogard’s second goal in as many games. 

The Gladiators broke the shutout bid from Norfolk goalie, Brad Barone 5:02 into the third period. Branden Troock created a turnover and had the puck in the low-slot. The Edmonton, AB native spun and sent a shot into the net for his fourth goal in his last two games. The tally was unassisted and Troock’s team-leading sixth goal on the year.

The Admirals added an insurance goal at the 8:56 mark of the third. McMarrow redirected a Jalen Smereck shot from the point past Phinney for his third goal of the season. Graves also earned an assist on the play for his second point of the evening. 

Unable to get the road win, Atlanta fell to 3-4-2-0 and stay at eight points on the season. Norfolk earned the win and moved to 16 points with a record of 8-3-0-0.  

ROAD AHEAD

Up next, the Gladiators once again face-off with the Admirals at the Norfolk Scope Arena tomorrow evening. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm for the fourth straight game for Atlanta against the Admirals.