ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Gladiators Slice Checkers, 6-3

March 11, 2006 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


Scott Mifsud posted a goal and three assists to pace the Gladiators past the Charlotte Checkers 6-3 on Saturday night at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. With losses by Greenville and Florida in regulation, Gwinnett now needs just 14 points to clinch the top spot in the South Division as the Gladiators improved to 41-11-7 on the year.

Gwinnett took a 1-0 lead on a power play goal by Guillaume Desbiens just 1:17 into the first period. Brad Schell set up Awe at the point for the goal as Awe ripped a one-timer that got deflected by Desbiens in the slot past Charlotte netminder Jeff Glass for the goal.

Charlotte tied the game at one with a power play goal 13:51 into the first period. Jake Ortmeyer flipped a shot off the shoulder of Gladiators' netminder Adam Berkhoel for the tally. Nathan Gillies and Kenton Smith collected the assists on the goal.

Bruce Graham gave Charlotte a 2-1 lead at the 11:34 mark of the first period. Glass picked up an assist on the goal for Charlotte, whipping the puck up ice to Daniel Sparre who dropped the puck off for Graham, walking in over the Gladiators' blue line. Graham then ripped a snap shot past Berkhoel to the far post for the goal.

Steve Slaton equalized the contest for the Gladiators on the power play with just 1:59 left in the second period. Joel Stepp fed Scott Mifsud moving into the Charlotte zone to collect the assists. Mifsud tapped the puck along to Slaton, who walked down the left wing and threw the puck into and open net as Glass was caught out of position.

Josh Bennett added his second goal of the game swiping the puck from a Checkers' defenseman and backhanding the puck past Glass from the slot. The unassisted goal came 1:29 into the third period.

The lead didn't last long as Charlotte equalized the contest at three on Mike Bayrack's power play goal 4:23 into the third period. Brandon Cullen and Kenton Smith collected the helpers on the tally.

Matt York's power play goal at the 7:06 mark proved to be the game winner for the Gwinnett. Mifsud collected his second assist in the game helping extend his point scoring streak to eight straight games feeding York in the slot. Joel Stepp added his second assist of the game on the goal.

Mifsud then posted his 17th goal of the season, flipping a snap shot past Glass at the 9:36 mark of the final period. Adam Smyth and and Joel Stepp hooked up to pick up the assists on the tally for Gwinnett.

Gwinnett rounded out the scoring with Desbiens' second goal goal of the game. Jeff Campbell collected an assist on the marker, tying a Gladiators single season record for most points in a season with his 73rd point of the season. Matt York also had a helper on the goal.

The Gladiators posted three goals on the power play in the win while giving up two goals on the man advantage to the Checkers. Adam Berkhoel posted 26 saves for Gwinnett for his 7th win of the season.

The Gwinnett Gladiators continue the 2005-06 ECHL season at the Arena at Gwinnett Center as they host the South Carolina Stingrays at 4:05 p.m. on Sunday, March 12th. The Gladiators offer several ticket packages for different needs as well as group outings, suites and birthday parties. For more information call 770-497-5100 or log on to gwinnettgladiators.com.

The Gladiators play all 36 home games at the Arena at Gwinnett Center located on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth and are the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers.

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ECHL Stories from March 11, 2006


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