Ghost Pirates Top Gladiators 4-2 in Regular Season Finale

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Savannah Ghost Pirates defeated the Atlanta Gladiators 4-2 at Enmarket Arena on Sunday afternoon in the final meeting of the season between the in-state rivals.

Coming off a shootout win over Jacksonville the night prior, the Gladiators entered the matchup looking to strengthen their hold on second place in the division. The Ghost Pirates, already locked into the fourth seed in the South Division playoff race, aimed to play spoiler. T.J. Semptimphelter started in goal for Atlanta, while Evan Cormier made his first start for Savannah since Jan. 31.

Atlanta had an early power-play opportunity just 17 seconds into the game but was unable to convert. Scoring chances were limited through much of the opening frame, with the Gladiators not registering their first shot on goal until nearly 12 minutes in. Savannah eventually broke through after a turnover, as Reece Vitelli set up Riley Hughes for the opening goal at 7:34. Hughes’ tally was the only goal of the period, despite Atlanta nearly responding late on a breakaway for Ryan Conroy following a penalty kill. The Ghost Pirates led 1-0 after one period and held a 7-6 edge in shots.

The Gladiators responded early in the second period, spending extended time in the offensive zone before tying the game. Eric Neiley and Cody Sylvester helped create a loose puck in front, allowing Joey Cipollone to bury his 16th goal of the season just 2:17 into the frame. Atlanta then had two power-play chances to take the lead but came up empty.

Savannah regained control midway through the period when Ryan Sullivan finished a centering pass from Liam Walsh and Nicholas Zabaneh to make it 2-1 at 10:58. The Ghost Pirates added to their lead late in the frame when Riley Hughes scored his second of the game off a rebound created by Mason Reiners, pushing the score to 3-1 with 3:05 remaining in the period. Atlanta outshot Savannah 11-6 in the second but trailed 3-1 after 40 minutes.

Nicholas Zabaneh extended the lead to 4-1 with a goal 8:08 into the third period. Atlanta answered when Cody Sylvester forced a turnover and scored to cut the deficit to 4-2, but the comeback effort stalled from there.

Semptimphelter finished with 16 saves on 20 shots in the loss, while Cormier stopped 24 of 26 for Savannah. Atlanta went 0-for-4 on the power play and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.

The regular season concludes April 19 at 3 p.m. in Greenville against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. The Gladiators will then prepare for a first-round playoff matchup against the South Carolina Stingrays. Coverage on the Gladiators Broadcast Network on FloHockey and YouTube begins at 2:40 p.m.