Gladiators Defeat Icemen 3-2 in Thrilling Fan Appreciation Night Comeback

The Atlanta Gladiators gave their fans a memorable sendoff on Fan Appreciation Night, coming from behind to defeat the Jacksonville Icemen 3-2 at Gas South Arena in a game that had all the energy and excitement a home crowd could ask for.

After falling behind 1-0 in the first period, Atlanta roared back with three unanswered goals in the second, flipping the script and electrifying the home crowd. The Icemen struck first late in the opening frame when Dalton Duhart buried a quality shot past Gladiators netminder Ethan Haider, assisted by Liam Coughlin and Bennett MacArthur at 17:24.

But the second period was all Atlanta.

Joey Cipollone kicked off the rally with a quality goal at 6:29, assisted by Zach Yoder and Carson Denomie, tying the game 1-1. Minutes later, Anthony Firriolo put the Glads ahead with a non-quality shot that found its way in at the 15-minute mark, thanks to a feed from Jordan Frasca. Just over a minute later, Tyler Drevitch extended the lead with what would ultimately be the game-winner at 16:22, assisted by Dylan Carabia.

Despite Jacksonville pushing hard in the third and pulling their goalie multiple times in the final minutes, the Gladiators held strong. Olivier Nadeau made things interesting, bringing Jacksonville within one at 18:22, but the Glads’ defense stood tall in the dying seconds to seal the win.

Ethan Haider delivered a strong performance in net for Atlanta, stopping a barrage of shots—many of which were high-quality chances. Jacksonville’s Justen Close was equally busy, but Atlanta’s second-period surge proved too much to overcome.

The win was a fitting close to the home season as the Gladiators honored their loyal fan base with giveaways, tributes, and a thrilling comeback win.

With this victory, Atlanta ends their home slate on a high note, full of grit, heart, and gratitude for the fans who packed the arena all season long.