Atlanta Gladiators Fall 3-2 to South Carolina Stingrays in Physical Game 1 of ECHL South Division Semifinals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 24, 2026) — The Atlanta Gladiators opened their 2026 Kelly Cup Playoff run with a narrow 3-2 loss to the South Carolina Stingrays on Friday night at North Charleston Coliseum.
Forward Adam Eisele scored twice for Atlanta, but the Gladiators could not recover after surrendering three unanswered goals across the second and third periods.
The matchup marked the fifth postseason meeting between the two South Division rivals and Atlanta’s first playoff appearance since 2022.
Physical First Period Sets the Tone
Game 1 wasted no time establishing intensity. Early penalties on both sides led to a chaotic opening frame, including matching penalties that briefly resulted in 3-on-3 play.
Despite multiple power-play opportunities, neither team capitalized early.
Eisele broke through late in the first period, firing a shot from the slot with 2:36 remaining to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead. Assists came from Ryan Conroy and Isak Walther.
South Carolina outshot Atlanta 11-7 in the period but trailed heading into intermission.
Stingrays Respond with Three Unanswered Goals
Momentum shifted in the second period when Jalen Luypen capitalized on a rebound at the 9:02 mark, tying the game 1-1.
The Stingrays carried that energy into the third. Charlie Combs gave South Carolina its first lead just 2:50 into the period, finishing a setup from Stan Cooley.
Minutes later, a controversial sequence extended the lead. Atlanta goaltender Ethan Haider appeared to cover the puck, but play continued, allowing D.J. King to score and push the advantage to 3-1.
Late Push Falls Short for Atlanta
Atlanta pressed late, earning a power-play opportunity but failing to convert. Eisele added his second goal with just 5.3 seconds remaining in regulation, trimming the deficit to one.
The comeback attempt ended there.
Garin Bjorklund made 29 saves for South Carolina, while Haider stopped 27 shots in his playoff debut.
Atlanta finished 0-for-3 on the power play but remained perfect on the penalty kill, going 5-for-5.
