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ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Royals Reign over Gladiators, 6-3

January 25, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


DULUTH, Ga. - The Gladiators (14-22-1-1) could not muster enough strength in their third game in three days against their first and only matchup with the Reading Royals (25-13-1-1), losing 6-3 on Sunday afternoon at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Casey Pierro-Zabotel scored two goals, making it five goals in just two games for the alternate captain.

The first period did not begin like the Gladiators had hoped, with the Royals scoring three straight goals in the first period. The first goal came early, at 4:18, when Kevin Walrod wrapped the puck around the back of the net and centered it to Matt Hatch, who smashed it in.

The Royals found net two minutes later at 5:53 on a power play, when Adam Hughesman centered himself at the top of the crease, and picked the right corner past Kent Patterson. Reading registered their third goal of the period after Maxim Lamarche found the back of the net, despite a crowed goal, at 8:34 on a quick shot. After Reading's third straight goal of the period, Adam Brown stepped in to take over netminder duties for Patterson at 10:43.

Facing a first period shutout, the Gladiators found some more end-of-the-period magic. It started with a goal from Casey Pierro-Zabotel at 14:54. Coming off of a hat trick the previous night, Pierro-Zabotel received the puck just outside the crease on a centered pass from Greg Carey, and one-timed it through Kenny Reiter's legs for his fourth goal in two games. With two minutes remaining in the period, the home team brought the difference to just one, when Sean Berkstresser sent a crisp pass from the left flank to the right corner of the net, where Dyson Stevenson was waiting to smack it in at 18:07.

The second period was unmistakably dicey, as the tension between the division rivals grew, so did the physicality. Reading was able bring the lead back to two on a power play before the period ended. Cam Reid sent in a hard shot on goal, which deflected off of Brown, and Oliver Labelle grabbed the rebound and redirected the puck back into the net at 15:46.

Two minutes into the third period, Pierro-Zabotel was at it once again, posting his second goal of the game, bringing the difference back to just one for the second time. On the forecheck, Garry Nunn intercepted the puck as Reading attempted to clear it, and immediately found Pierro-Zabotel crashing the net. Pierro-Zabotel smacked the puck in the net once again, but the Royals would not allow the Gladiators to make a comeback, scoring two more goals to once again double up on the home team on two more power plays.

Hughesman received the puck just outside the crease, and sent a direct shot to the nearside of Brown at 8:18, for his second goal of the game. Reading capitalized on the power play for the fourth time at 16:01 to seal the game; Pat Mullane scored on a one-time feed from Labelle and Ryan Cruthers.

The Gladiators will head out on the road for their next game to face the Indy Fuel Wednesday, January 28th, at 7:05 p.m. The Gladiators will return home to the Arena at Gwinnett Center on Tuesday, February 3rd to take on the Orlando Solar Bears at 7:05 p.m. The next home game also marks the third Student Night of the season. Students can receive a ticket at a discounted price with a valid student ID.

For tickets and schedule information, visit the official team website at www.gwinnettgladiators.com or call the main office line at 770-497-5100.

The Gladiators are members of the ECHL, the nation's premier "AA" hockey league, and are affiliated with the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL. All home games are played at the 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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