DULUTH, Ga. The Atlanta Gladiators (6-0-0-0) defeated the South Carolina Stingrays (3-3-1-0) by a final score of 4-2 on Sunday afternoon, at Gas South Arena, in Duluth, Georgia.
First Star: Jack Matier (ATL) - 2 goals, +3
Second Star: Michael Marchesan (ATL) - 1 goal, +2
Third Star: Gustavs Grigals (ATL) - 39 saves
South Carolina found twine early in the first period, with Kevin O’Neil wiring a shot into the top corner (3:46).
Michael Marchesan would answer back with his first pro goal for Atlanta, beating Bjorklund between the legs (11:26).
Late in the first, the Stingrays would regain the lead with a power play goal. Patrick Harper deflected a point shot past Grigals (19:28).
Reece Vitelli would tie the game early into the middle frame, collecting an off the boards pass from Mitch Fossier, finishing it off with a beautiful breakaway backhander (2:59).
The score would remain tied until the opening minute of the third, where Jack Matier would give the Gladiators their first lead of the game (00:26).
Matier would score again shortly thereafter, on a similar play, finding the back of the net from out high, to double Atlanta's advantage (4:15).
Gustavs Grigals made 39 saves on 41 Stingray shots, while Garin Bjorklund stopped 25 of 29.
Check out the highlights!
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers