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ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Gladiators Weekly Update

December 2, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


Coming from Behind: The Gladiators recorded their first win of the season when trailing after two periods in Sunday's 3-2 shootout win over the Texas Wildcatters. Gwinnett entered Sunday's game 0-2-1 when trailing after two periods. Gwinnett tied the game on Sunday at two in the third period and then won the contest in a shootout.

The Winner: Forward Mike Hamilton posted the game winning shootout goal for the Gladiators in Sunday's 3-2 shootout win over the Texas Wildcatters. Hamilton posted the game winining goal for the Gladiators in Gwinnett's regular season opener on October 19th. Hamilton joins Mike Vigilatne for most deciding shootout goals for the Gladiators this season with one on the year.

Second Stint! Defenseman Scott Lehman was assigned to the Gladiators on Wednesday in time for the Gladiators trip to Texas. The defenseman posted an assist for the Gladiators in Saturday night's 4-3 loss against Texas. In six games on the season with Gwinett, Lehman has posted 2 assists for the Gladiators.

Snapping the Streak! The Gladiators won their first game at Texas on Sunday posting a 3-2 shootout win against the Wildcatters. It snapped a seven game winless streak againt the Wildcatters dating back to the first game of the playoffs last year. In addtion, the win at Texas was the first win for the Gladiators at the Ford Arena since a 4-2 win over the Wildcatters on December 5, 2004.

Team Leader: Derek Nesbitt posted an assist for the Gladiators in Sunday's 3-2 shootout win over the Texas Wildcatters and leads the Gladiators in scoring with 22 points on the year. His 22 points, off of 8 goals and 14 assists, shares 11th overall in the ECHL in scoring on the year.

Top D! Gladiators Defenseman Jamie Milam posted his 6th goal of the season for the Gladiators in Saturday's 4-3 loss to the Texas Wildcatters. Milam leads Gladiators blueliners in scoring with 6 goals and 9 assists for 15 points. His 15 points shares second overall in scoring among league defensemen. Paul Bissonette of Wheeling leads defensemen in scoring with 17 points on the year.

Sing for Santa: The Gladiators 4th annual "Sing For Santa" Night is scheduled for Friday, December 7th when the Gladiators host the Florida Everblades at 7:35 p.m. Local elementary school children will be at the game singing the national anthem and holiday favorites during the intermission entertaining the crowd. "Sing for Santa" is presented by Amica Insurance, RaceTrac, Action Awards, 104.7 The Fish and the AJC Gwinnett News.

Last Week's Games

November 30th, Texas 3, Gwinnett 2 - L

The Gladiators posted two power play goals in the first period to take a 2-0 lead on Texas after one. Jeff Campbell, in his first game back from AHL Norfolk, posted the game's first goal just 2:20 into the contest while Jamie Milam made it 2-0 with 3:12 left in the first. Texas then rattled off three goals within seven minutes of each other in the second period to take a 3-2 lead on Gwinnett. Texas clamped down defensively in the third as the teams skated to a scoreless tie in the final period. Craig Kowalski posted 33 saves in the loss while Gwinnett went 2-for-5 on the power play.

December 1st, Texas 4, Gwinnett 3 - L

Gwinnett posted the game's first goal for the second consecutive game but could not hold on in a 4-3 loss against Texas. Derek Nesbitt posted the game's first goal just 1:38 into the first period for the early lead. Texas took a 2-1 lead in after one with a pair of goals before the midway point of the opening period. The Gladiators regained the lead in the second on goals by Campbell, just 1:48 into the second and by Milam at the 4:24 mark for a 3-2 lead. Texas tied the game three minutes after Milam's goal while they posted the game winner midway through the third period for the win. Turple posted 29 saves in the loss for the Gladiators as Gwinnett went 1-3 on the power play in the loss.

December 2nd, Gwinnett 3, Texas 2 - SOW

Mike Hamilton posted the game winning shootout goal for the Gladiators in the fifth round of the shootout for the win. Texas jumped out to a 2-0 lead on the Gladiators with a pair of power play goals in the first. Hamilton recorded his 7th goal of the season on the man advantage in the second to cut the Texas lead to one. Mike Vigilante then tied the game at two just 3:21 into the third. Nesbitt and Campbell scored in the first two rounds while Texas posted first and fourth round goals for the Wildcatters in the shootout setting the stage for Hamilton's shootout winning goal. Craig Kowalski finished with 34 saves in the win while Gwinnett went 2-for-5 on the power play.

This Week's Games:

December 6th, vs. Florida, 7:05 p.m. - AccessNorthGa.com

December 7th, vs. Florida, 7:35 p.m. - AccessNorthGa.com

The Gladiators face the Everblades for the first time this season. Gwinnett leads the all time series against the Everblades with a 20-9-4 record. The Gladiators finished 6-4-0 against the Everblades last year. Gwinnet trails the Everblades by by just one point in the South Division Standings heading into the week.

This Week's Practice Schedule: Practices at the IceForum in Duluth are open to the general public. Arena at Gwinnett Center practices are not open to the general public. Media members wishing to attend practice at the Arena should contact the Gladiators PR staff at 770-497-5106 to facilitate building access.

Monday: Day Off

Tuesday: 12:10 - 1:30 p.m., Ice Forum - Duluth

Wednesday: 12:10 - 1:30 p.m., Ice Forum - Duluth

Thursday: Game vs. Florida, 7:05 p.m.

Friday: Game vs. Florida, 7:05 p.m.

Saturday: Day Off

Sunday: Ice Forum - Duluth, TBD

The Gladiators continue their fifth anniversary season on Thursday, December 6th as they host the Florida Everblades at the Arena at Gwinnett Center at 7:05 p.m. Catch all the play-by-play action in Thursday's game via Accessnorthga.com audio stream channel 3.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary as the Premier 'AA' Hockey League in 2007-08, the ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in three states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league that has 25 teams in 17 states and British Columbia in 2007-08. The 25 teams includes the Mississippi (Biloxi) Sea Wolves, who return after missing two seasons in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and the expansion Elmira (N.Y.) Jackals. The ECHL will play 900 games beginning Oct. 18 and concluding Apr. 5.

The Gwinnett Gladiators continue their fifth season as a proud member of the ECHL - season ticket packages 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 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.

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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.

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