The Atlanta Gladiators wrapped up a grueling three-games-in-three-days stretch the best way possible — with another victory. Atlanta edged the Greensboro Gargoyles 3–2 on Sunday afternoon at First Horizon Coliseum, completing a season sweep and firing a season-high 45 shots on goal in the process.
Despite traveling overnight from Savannah, the Gladiators showed no signs of fatigue. From the opening puck drop, Atlanta controlled the pace and immediately put pressure on Greensboro’s defense and goaltender Ruslan Khazheyev. An early power play just 16 seconds into the game set the tone, even though it didn’t produce a goal. The Gladiators dominated possession throughout the first period, outshooting the Gargoyles 17–9, but the game remained scoreless after twenty minutes.
Atlanta broke through early in the second period, and once they did, the offense came in waves. Joey Cipollone opened the scoring 2:27 into the frame, ripping a slick backhand from the left wing off a setup from Kalan Lind and Nolan Orzeck. Just minutes later, Alex Young doubled the lead, finishing a clean passing sequence to make it 2–0 and put Greensboro on its heels.
The Gladiators continued to dictate play, winning puck battles and generating chance after chance. By the end of the second period, Atlanta had built a commanding edge in shots and momentum.
They didn’t let up in the third. Just over three minutes into the final frame, Isak Walther redirected a shot from Mike McNamee to push the lead to 3–0, with Austin Roest also picking up an assist as he extended his recent point streak. At that point, it looked like Atlanta might cruise to the finish.
Greensboro had other plans.
The Gargoyles began to push back midway through the period, cutting the deficit to 3–1 after a scramble in front of the net led to a goal from Patrick Newell. With the clock winding down and the net empty, Greensboro struck again with just 41 seconds remaining to make it a one-goal game and inject late drama into the afternoon.
But Atlanta held firm.
T.J. Semptimphelter turned aside 31 shots, coming up with key saves down the stretch to preserve the win as the Gargoyles pressed for the equalizer. Khazheyev was equally busy at the other end, stopping 42 of 45 shots in a standout performance despite the loss.
Special teams also played a role. The Gladiators went scoreless on three power-play opportunities but were perfect on the penalty kill, shutting down all three Greensboro chances.
When the final horn sounded, Atlanta had secured not only the victory but also the season sweep — a testament to their consistency against Greensboro all year long.
The road trip continues Wednesday night as the Gladiators travel to face the Orlando Solar Bears, looking to carry this momentum forward and keep stacking points as the season intensifies.
