ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Gladiators Clipped by Checkers, 3-2

February 18, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


The Gwinnett Gladiators got goals from Matt York and Scott Mifsud but could not get past the Charlotte Checkers on Sunday afternoon on the Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at the Arena at Gwinnett Center in a 3-2 loss. Gwinnett slips into third place in the ECHL's South Division with 29-15-6 record on the season.

Charlotte took a 1-0 lead on the Gladiators just 12 seconds into the game, as Bruce Graham was able to jam the puck past Gladiators goaltender Dave Caruso on a second effort along the goal line for the marker. Nathan Gillies and Ryan Constant collected the assists on the goal for the Checkers.

Gwinnett got on the board on the power play 12:40 into the first period. Matt York threw the puck into an empty net as he collected a loose puck in the slot and beat Charlotte netminder Chris Holt. Scott Mifsud and Joel Stepp collected the assists on the power play goal for Gwinnett.

The Checkers answered 12 seconds later to take a 2-1 lead on Gwinnett as Hugh Jessiman beat Caruso for the marker. Mike Ouellette and John Donnelly posted the assists on the goal for Charlotte, working the puck into the Gwinnett zone to set up the tally.

The second period finished as it began with the Checkers leading the Gladiators by a 2-1 score. Gwinnett outshot Charlotte in the second period by an 11-7 margin.

Mifsud tied the game at two early in the third period. Sliding into the slot, Mifsud banked the puck off a Charlotte defender in the slot and past Holt to tie the game at two. Mifsud's marker came unassisted just 29 seconds into the third period.

Ouellette regained the lead for the Checkers and scored what proved to be the game winner at the 4:51 mark of the third period. Jessiman and Ouellette worked the puck in to the Gladiators zone on a 2-on-1 break before Ouellette finished the play scoring short handed for the goal.

Caruso finished with 32 save for the Gladiators in the loss. Gwinnett went 1-for-6 on the power play in the loss while keeping Charlotte off the board on the man advantage in five chances.

The Gwinnett Gladiators continue their fourth season as a proud member of the ECHL on February 20th as they travel to Pensacola to take on the Ice Pilots at 8:05 p.m. Season tickets are on sale now. In addition, the Gladiators offer several unique multi-game ticket packages as well as discounted group rates, suite rentals, and birthday parties. For more information call 770-497-5100 or log on to gwinnettgladiators.com.

The Gladiators are the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers and play all home games on the Your Best Rate Financial Home Ice at the spectacular 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth, where parking is always free.

Check out the Atlanta Gladiators Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 18, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central