Atlanta’s Lightning Strikes: Two Shorthanded Goals in Six Seconds Lift Gladiators Over Savannah, 4–2

Atlanta Gladiators | Photo: Atlanta Gladiators

The Atlanta Gladiators continue to make history and headlines — this time by scoring two shorthanded goals in just six seconds on their way to a 4–2 win over the Savannah Ghost Pirates Saturday night. The win keeps Atlanta undefeated to start the 2025–26 season, as the team continues its dominant run through the ECHL.

Before the puck even dropped, the night began on an emotional note as the Gladiators honored former captain and ECHL Hall of Famer Cam Brown, unveiling a season-long tribute and helmet stickers to celebrate his legacy. The energy carried right into the game — and the crowd fed off every moment.

Goaltender Ethan Haider got the start for Atlanta, facing off against Savannah’s Evan Cormier in what quickly became a high-intensity matchup. The Gladiators struck first when Joey Cipollone buried one midway through the first period, assisted by Cody Sylvester and Mike McNamee.

Then, the fireworks began. Late in the first, Atlanta found itself shorthanded — but instead of sitting back, they attacked. Chad Nychuk fired in a shorthanded goal at 13:53, assisted by Louis Boudon. Just six seconds later, Ryan Nolanfollowed up with another shorthanded tally, unassisted, sending the home crowd into an uproar. Two goals. Six seconds. Pure chaos — and pure Gladiators hockey.

Savannah fought back, getting on the board in the second period thanks to Philip Waugh, but Atlanta’s defense and penalty kill stood tall. The third period saw the Ghost Pirates cut the lead to one, but the Gladiators answered quickly with a clutch goal from Mickey Burns, assisted by Nolan and Alex Young, sealing the 4–2 win.

Haider was stellar in net, stopping 32 of 34 shots, while the Gladiators’ penalty kill went a perfect 5-for-5 — and produced two goals of its own.

With this win, Atlanta improves to 5–0, the only undefeated team left in the ECHL. Between their resilience, discipline, and pure speed, the Gladiators are showing the rest of the league exactly why they’re a force to be reckoned with this season.

Final Score: Atlanta Gladiators 4, Savannah Ghost Pirates 2
Next Up: The Gladiators continue their homestand looking to extend their perfect record and keep the momentum rolling.