Empty-Netter Seals Lions’ Victory Over Gladiators

You couldn’t have scripted a better ending if you tried. The Lions seemed destined to let this one slip away after the Gladiators erased their lead in the second period. But John Parker-Jones had other plans, deflecting home the eventual game-winner that sucked the life out of the rowdy Atlanta crowd. And Nathan Yaremko’s empty-netter was just the cherry on top to seal an exhilarating come-from-behind 3-1 victory on Friday night, at Gas South Arena, in Duluth, Georgia.

You could feel the energy drain from the arena after that goal. The Gladiators seemed to sag, while the Lions were reinvigorated. Despite a few half-hearted chances, Atlanta struggled to generate much offense. Any time they did get something going, Émond was there to shut them down.

Meanwhile, the Lions kept attacking, trying to build on their lead. They eventually got the insurance goal they were looking for when Yaremko hit the empty net in the final seconds. For Atlanta, it was a disappointing end to what had been a hard-fought battle for most of the night. The empty-netter at the end was just the cherry on top to seal a hard-fought victory. Even though the home crowd went home disappointed, they have to respect the effort and skill both teams brought to the ice.

The Atlanta Gladiators (20-39-3-1) will face the Norfolk Admirals on Friday Mar 28., on the road in Virginia. Puck drops at 7:00 PM.