Greenville, SC – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits defeated the Atlanta Gladiators 2-1 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Atlanta’s Ben Strinden struck first 37 seconds into the game, but two Greenville goals from Mike O’Leary and Neil Shea helped the Swamp Rabbits rally past the Gladiators.

The Gladiators capped off a season long eight-game road trip in Greenville on Thursday night against the South Division leading Swamp Rabbits. T.J Semptimphelter started in net for Atlanta, while Hampton Slukynsky started in goal for Greenville.

Atlanta wasted no time getting to work and taking an early lead, as Ben Strinden scored his third goal of the season from Austin Roest and John Prokop 37 seconds into the game. Roest found Strinden for a turnaround shot near the slot for the opening score. The Gladiators then killed off two penalties to Roest to hold the 1-0 lead. Atlanta had one power play opportunity in the first but was unable to score. Atlanta led 1-0 after 20 minutes thanks to strong defensive play and stellar goaltending from Semptimphelter.

The second period was scoreless, with both teams having a chance on the power play but coming up empty handed. Semptimphelter continued to string together highlight reel saves as the Swamp Rabbits built up momentum as the period went on. Atlanta was able to snatch momentum back as the period reached its conclusion. Through 40 minutes Greenville led the shot count 19-14, while Atlanta led 1-0.

Mike O’Leary tied the game 27 seconds into the third period, crashing the crease on a centering feed from Neil Shea out of the near corner to make it a 1-1 game. Hank Crone factored in with an assist as well, as Greenville’s top scorers came roaring out of the locker room to tie the game early in the third. Shea gave the Swamp Rabbits the lead 1:04 later, with a greasy goal from below the goal line. Shea threw the puck into the blue paint from the end wall, banking it off the leg of Semptimphelter and into the net for the go-ahead goal. Shea’s fourth goal of the season made it 2-1 Greenville, and despite a push from the Gladiators and a late shot on the power play, Atlanta was unable to overcome the deficit. 

Hampton Slukynsky stopped 19/20 for the Swamp Rabbits, while T.J. Semptimphelter stopped 29/31 for the Gladiators. Atlanta went 0/3 on the power play and 3/3 on the penalty kill in the loss. 

The Gladiators return home and begin a nine-game homestand on Friday, November 13^th when they take on the Trois-Rivières Lions at Gas South Arena on Lucky 13 Night Presented by Georgia Lottery. Join in on the fun and purchase a special Lucky 13 Night ticket package with a collectible old-time goalie mask by clicking HERE!