ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Gwinnett Flies by Pride, 4-1

April 3, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


The Gwinnett Gladiators got goals from four different scorers in a 4-1 win over the Pee Dee Pride to solidify third place in the ECHL's Central Division on Saturday night at the Arena at Gwinnett Center and will face the Mississippi Sea Wolves in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Chris Durno tallied his 20th goal of the season as he stole the puck from a Florence defenseman and clanked the puck off of the goal post and past Pee Dee netminder Sebastien Laplante. Durno tallied this unassisted goal at 8:56 of the opening period.

Florence tied the contest up on a weird play in front of the Gladiators net. A Gladiators defenseman tried to knock the puck out of the air but deflected the rubber past Gladiators goaltender Trevor Prior at 17:24 of the first. Jeff Szwez was credited with the tally while Wes Goldie and Scott Balan added the assists on the equalizer.

Paul Flache slipped into the slot from his point position and flipped a rebound over Laplante to give the Gladiators a 2-1 lead in the second period. Chris Durno and Kris Goodjohn picked up the assists on the goal at 11:57 of the second period.

Steve Slonina added his 20th goal of the season, as he was able to tap a loose puck past Laplante giving Gwinnett a 3-1 lead. Paul Flache and Kris Goodjohn added the assists on the goal at 7:06 of the final period.

Brandon Dietrich rounded out the scoring with 4:43 remaining in the third period as he redirected a pass from Evan Nielsen past Laplante. Anthony Aquino also added an assist on Dietrich's 10th goal of the season.

Trevor Prior made 26 saves in the win to help the Gladiators to an all time team best 42-22-8 record and 92 points on the season.

With the win, the Gladiators will battle the Mississippi Sea Wolves in the first round of the Central Division Semi Finials that begin on Wednesday, April 7th at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum beginning at 8:35 p.m. The Gladiators will host game #3 at the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Saturday, April 10th beginning at 7:35 p.m. The complete schedule follows:

# 3 Gwinnett @ #2 Mississippi
Wed., April 7th, @ Mississippi, 8:35 p.m.
Fri., April 9th, @ Mississippi, 8:35 p.m.
Sat., April 10th, vs. Mississippi, 7:35 p.m.
Mon., April 12th, vs. Mississippi, 7:35 p.m.*
Wed., April 14th, @ Mississippi, 8:05 p.m.*
* if necessary

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