By Libby White

Duluth, GA- The Atlanta Gladiators were eliminated from the Kelly Cup Playoffs on Monday night, falling 3-1 to the South Carolina Stingrays in Game 6 at Gas South Arena, as a late empty net goal sealed the series and marked the final game of Cody Sylvester’s professional career.

The Atlanta Gladiators and South Carolina Stingrays opened Game 6 with early intensity, as Atlanta was handed a powerplay opportunity just 31 seconds into the period following an goaltender interference call. Despite the quick opportunity, the Gladiators were unable to score.

Atlanta received a second opportunity on the man advantage at the 10:48 mark after Ryan Hofer was sent to the box for tripping, but once again the Stingrays’ penalty kill held strong to keep the game scoreless.

The breakthrough finally came with 5:27 left in the period, when Jack O’Brien scored unassisted off a turnover, to give the Gladiators a 1-0 lead and inject energy into the home crowd.

South Carolina responded late in the period, as Stanley Cooley evened the score at with 2:01 on the clock, with a goal assisted by Connor Moore and Dean Loukus, shifting momentum back in the Stingrays’ favor heading into the intermission.

Gladiators' defenseman Jack Matier was called for interference at 19:02, sending Atlanta to the penalty kill to close out the period. After the first period, the game was tied 1-1, with the Stingrays holding a slight edge in shots on goal,11-9.

Atlanta started the second period still shorthanded, successfully killing off the remaining 1:03 from Jack Matier’s late first period penalty to keep the game even. The Gladiators were tested again early in the period when Mike McNamee was called for hooking at 2:26 in, but Atlanta’s penalty kill stood strong once more to deny South Carolina the lead.

The Stingrays eventually broke through at 8:26, as Romain Rodzinski netted his third goal of the series off assists from Justin Nachbaur and D.J. King, giving South Carolina its first lead of the night at 2-1.

Atlanta was given a powerplay opportunity with just 11 seconds remaining in the period after Kyler Kupka was called for hooking, setting up a carryover advantage into the third.

At the end of the second period, the Stingrays held a 2-1 lead and extended their lead in shots on goal, outshooting the Gladiators 12-8.

The Gladiators began the third period with 1:49 left of powerplay time but were unable to capitalize, continuing a frustrating night on the man advantage. Physicality picked up 5:01 into the period, with matching roughing penalties assessed to Jack Matier and Charlie Combs. Atlanta’s fourth powerplay opportunity came at 12:19 after Charlie Combs was called for high-sticking, but the Stingrays’ penalty kill remained perfect.

With time dwindling down, the Gladiators pulled goaltender T.J. Semptimphelter for the extra attacker in a last push to extend their season, but South Carolina capitalized as Jalen Luypen found the empty net with 1:46 remaining to make it 3-1.

Atlanta was given one final opportunity with a 6 on 4 advantage after Reilly Webb was called for tripping with 44 seconds left, but a holding penalty to Chad Nychuk with 31 seconds remaining halted any chance of a comeback.

The Stingrays held on for the 3-1 victory, eliminating the Gladiators in Game 6. Total shots on goal during tonight's game was South Carolina 30, Atlanta 29.

The loss not only brought Atlanta’s playoff run to an end but also marked the final game of Cody Sylvester’s career, closing the chapter on a veteran presence who played a key role for the Gladiators over the last five seasons. 

Follow the Gladiators on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube to stay up to date with all the latest news and events during the offseason. The Gladiators organization would like to thank fans for their support this season and can’t wait to welcome fans, new and returning, to Gas South Arena for the 2026-27 season!