ATL Gladiators Heat Up the Ice & Beat Utah Like They Owed ‘Em Rent – 4-1 Final
Atlanta Gladiators v. Utah Grizzlies puck drop period 3 | Photo: Dez Barnes
If you think hockey is slow or confusing, the Atlanta Gladiators are here to change your whole perspective.
From the jump, Atlanta came out shooting like they were trying to get a sponsorship from Nerf — 11 shots in the first period alone. Utah barely touched the puck before getting checked into next week. Still, despite all that pressure, the first period stayed scoreless — a full 20 minutes of “almosts” and “OHHH!” moments.
But the second period? That’s when Atlanta officially clocked in for business.
Isak Walther turned into a straight-up sniper, scoring back-to-back goals like he was farming 2-for-1 deals — first at 6:22 and again at 11:58. Anthony Firriolo and Chad Nychuk were out there passing dimes like NFL quarterbacks in skates, stacking assists like loyalty points.
Utah finally snuck one in late in the second, but that was their last happy moment of the night.
Because in the third? Atlanta said “let’s finish this.”
Alex Young blasted in another goal at 8:41 off a clean setup from Walther (yes, again — man was everywhere).
Then Mickey Burns hit a short-handed dagger at 12:30 — meaning Atlanta scored while they were supposed to be at a disadvantage. Disrespectful. Beautiful.
Meanwhile, goalie T.J. Semptimphelter was in full hockey-god mode, stopping 17 out of 18 shots like he was swatting flies at a barbecue.
Final score: Atlanta 4, Utah 1.
Final mood: Don’t sleep on hockey in Atlanta.
If you’re still on the fence about hockey?
Come to a Gladiators game. This ain’t golf on ice — it’s chaos, speed, and southern hospitality with body checks.
