Gladiators Top Solar Bears 3-1 on Knights Night at Gas South Arena

The Atlanta Gladiators kept the momentum rolling Friday night, defeating the Orlando Solar Bears 3-1 at Gas South Arena on Knights Night, as the organization paid tribute to the IHL’s Atlanta Knights with throwback jerseys and a night full of nostalgia.

Coming off a 3-1 win over Orlando the night before, Atlanta returned to the ice looking to keep its streak alive in the middle game of a three-game homestand. The Gladiators did just that, extending their win streak to four games against a Solar Bears team still battling to stay in the playoff picture.

T.J. Semptimphelter got the start in net for Atlanta, while Harrison Meneghin took the crease for Orlando.

Both teams had early power-play chances in the first period but couldn’t capitalize. Orlando eventually broke through on its second opportunity, as Luc Wilson found the back of the net 9:04 into the period. His power-play goal, assisted by Anthony Bardaro and Dyllan Gill, gave the Solar Bears a 1-0 lead.

The physical tone of the rivalry showed itself late in the opening frame. With 3:55 remaining, Dylan Carabia dropped the gloves with Andrew Bruder, igniting the crowd. Just 19 seconds later, Atlanta answered on the scoreboard.

Ryan Conroy worked the puck free along the end wall and found Jack O’Brien, who buried the equalizer with 3:36 left in the period. O’Brien’s 24th goal of the season sent the teams into the first intermission tied at 1-1, with Atlanta holding a commanding 14-5 edge in shots.

The Gladiators carried that energy into the second period and took their first lead late in the frame.

O’Brien struck again with 2:21 remaining, ripping a shot from the left circle off a feed from Mike McNamee. His second goal of the night gave Atlanta a 2-1 advantage heading into the third, as the physical play continued with big hits and post-whistle scrums on both sides.

Atlanta closed things out with a strong defensive effort in the final period.

The penalty kill came up big late, successfully shutting down a 5-on-3 opportunity for Orlando to preserve the lead. Moments later, the Gladiators got a chance of their own when Jarid Lukosevicius was assessed a boarding major with 4:57 remaining.

Atlanta took full advantage.

Just 15 seconds into the power play, Alex Young fired home the dagger with 4:42 left, finishing off a setup from Chad Nychuk and O’Brien to extend the lead to 3-1.

From there, the Gladiators locked things down.

Semptimphelter turned aside 19 of 20 shots to earn his 20th win of the season, while Meneghin made 28 saves on 31 shots for Orlando. Atlanta finished 1-for-4 on the power play and 4-for-5 on the penalty kill in a well-rounded performance.

With another win in the books, the Gladiators now turn their attention to Saturday night, when they’ll wrap up Hockey Heritage Weekend by honoring the Atlanta Thrashers on Thrashers Night. With specialty jerseys and tributes celebrating the city’s hockey history, it’s set to be another memorable night at Gas South Arena.