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Atlanta Gladiators

Gwinnett Gladiators Weekly Update

October 18, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


Home Sweet Home: The Gladiators open the 2010-2011 home schedule on Friday against the South Carolina Stingrays at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Gwinnett is 158-80-31 all time at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

Season Opener: After Friday's season opener in Florida, the Gladiators are now 6-0-2 all time in the first game of a season. Prior to Friday's shootout loss, the only other blemish on the Gladiators season opening record was a 1-0 shootout loss to the Charlotte Checkers during the 2005-2006 season when the Gladiators advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals.

Home Opener: The Gladiators play their home opener on Friday against the South Carolina Stingrays at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Entering this season, the Gladiators are 5-0-2 in home openers at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

Wisconsin Wonder: Rookie forward Aaron Bendickson burst onto the ECHL scene in the Glads' first two games of the season. The University of Wisconsin product followed a strong camp with a goal just 1:15 into the first game of the season against Florida last Friday. He also added an assist later in the game. He followed that performance up with a shorthanded goal in the third period of the second game of the season, where he out-worked three defensemen in front of the net to bury a rebound in the crease. His three points shares the team lead in scoring so far this season.

The Puck Stops Here: The Gladiators benefited from some terrific goaltending during the first two games against the Blades. Rookie Chris Carrozzi stopped 27 of 29 shots in a Friday shootout loss, while Billy Sauer turned back 25 of 28 shots in a 5-3 win on Saturday. The two keepers combined for a .912 save percentage.

Dominant Debut: Forward Ryan Garbutt missed the first game of the season but made up for lost time on Saturday. He scored a crucial late second period goal, generating a turnover at the Florida blueline and out-muscling a defender to the low slot, and added two assists on the night.

Lucky Number 35: Gwinnett totaled 35 shots in each of their first two games.

I've Got the Power: The power play was potent for Gwinnett in Florida...the Glads went a combined 3-for-10 Friday and Saturday.

Friendly Friday's: Friday is the first Friendly Friday of the season when the Gladiators host the South Carolina Stingrays at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. The Gladiators have teamed up with Proof of the Pudding to offer Friendly Fridays during the 2010-11 regular season for all of the Gladiators Friday Night games at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. The Friendly Friday's package is available for Kids and Adults. A $20 Adult Ticket includes One (1) Premium Level Ticket (section 115 only), One (1) Jumbo Hot Dog - OR - One (1) Pizza Slice, One (1) Regular Coke. A $15 Kids Ticket includes One (1) Premium Level Ticket (section 115 only), One (1) Kids Meal (Chicken Bites & Fries - OR - Hot Dog & Fries), One (1) Kids Coke. The next Friendly Friday of the season is Friday, December 3, 2010 vs. South Carolina.

Last Week's Games:

October 15th, Florida 3, Gwinnett 2 - SOL

The Gwinnett Gladiators scored first but could not hold on in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Florida Everblades in the regular season opener of the 2010-2011 regular season. Florida hosts Gwinnett again on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. in Estero, Florida. Gwinnett got goals from Aaron Bendickson 1:15 into the first period for a 1-0 lead. Andy Brandt scored 1:30 into the third period for Gwinnett to pull the game even at two. Alexandre Imbeault scored the game winning shootout goal for the Everblades in the first round. Thrashers prospect Chris Carrozzi made 27 saves for Gwinnett in the loss.

October 16th, Gwinnett 5, Florida 3 - W

The Gwinnett Gladiators defeated the Florida Everblades 5-3 on Saturday night in Estero, Florida. Gwinnett will play its first home game of the season on Friday against South Carolina at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Gwinnett opened up a 2-0 lead and led 5-1 after a shorthanded goal by Aaron Bendickson 2:34 into the final period. Florida scored two late goals to pull within two but could get no closer. Billy Sauer notched 25 saves for Gwinnett in the win. Ryan Garbutt lead all players in scoring in the game with a goal and two assists for Gwinnett.

This Week's Games:

Friday, October 22nd vs. South Carolina Stingrays - 7:35 p.m. - WDUN.com

Sunday, October 23rd vs. Florida Everblades - 7:05 p.m. - AM 550 & FM 102.9, WDUN

The Gwinnett Gladiators open the home portion of the schedule against the South Carolina Stingrays on Friday and round out the weekend against the Florida Everblades. South Carolina will play their first game of the season on Friday as they have yet to open up the 2010-2011 season. The Stingrays have a handful of players returning from the 2009-2010 season including leading scorer Trent Campbell as well as Rob Ricci, who finished second on the Stingrays in goals last season. The match-up with Florida will be the third meeting between the two teams after the opening weekend battle in Estero, FL. The Everblades are led in scoring by Cedric Lalonde-McNicoll with three points (two goals, one assist) after appearing in both games. Bobby Goepfert earned a 3.36 goals against average and a .900 save percentage appearing in both games for Florida this season.

The Gwinnett Gladiators host the South Carolina Stingrays on Friday, October 22nd at 7:35 p.m. The Gladiators are the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers and play all home games at the 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

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