RECAP: Gladiators Take Down Defending Champs to Open Season

DULUTH, Ga. - The Atlanta Gladiators (1-0-0-0) defeated the Florida Everblades (0-1-0-0) in a 4-2 final on Opening Night at Gas South Arena. Atlanta scored two power-play goals while holding Florida scoreless on six power-play opportunities.

First Star: Gabe Guertler (ATL) - goal, assist

Second Star: Derek Topatigh (ATL) - two assists

Third Star: Mike Pelech (ATL) - two assists

Kaid Oliver kicked off the scoring for the new season when he buried a one-timer set up by Cody Sylvester in the middle of the first period (11:26). Oliver lit the lamp 15 times last season as a rookie with the Iowa Heartlanders. 

Just a minute-and-a-half later, rookie Reece Vitelli buried his first professional goal on the power play to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead (12:54). 

The Gladiators took a 3-0 advantage a few shifts after Vitelli's tally when Brandon Schultz deftly tipped a Derek Topatigh pass under Florida goaltender Cam Johnson's pads.

Gabe Guertler tipped in a goal of his own in the second period to put Atlanta ahead 4-0 (5:27). Tim Davison provided the shot from the blue line, and Guertler angled the puck past Johnson's shoulder. 

Robert Carpenter put Florida on the board late in the second period (17:13), and Michael Neville scored a shorthanded goal late in the third, but Tyler Parks stood tall in net for Atlanta with 30 saves on 32 shots. 

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For the 2022 Kelly Cup Playoff schedule, single game tickets, playoff packages, and group tickets, visit HERE, or call the Gladiators front office at 770-497-5100.

The Atlanta Gladiators are a proud member of the ECHL and play home games at Gas South Arena located in Duluth, Georgia. Follow along with the Gladiators onFacebook,Instagram,LinkedIn,TikTok,Twitter, andYouTube.

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The Atlanta Gladiators are a proud affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners.

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