Gladiators Charge Past Swamp Rabbits 4–2 in High-Energy Home Win

Atlanta Gladiators | Photo: Atlanta Gladiators

Duluth, GA — The Atlanta Gladiators came back to Gas South Arena on Saturday night with fire in their skates and something to prove. With a crowd ready for action and a division showdown on the line, Atlanta delivered a spirited 4–2 win over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits—complete with heavy hits, growing rivalries, highlight goals, and a loud statement that the Gladiators are heating up at just the right time. Joey Cipollone led the way with two goals, while strong play throughout the lineup helped the Glads control the game when it mattered most.

From the opening faceoff, this matchup felt personal. Both teams wasted zero time trading hits, barking after whistles, and setting the tone for what could become a season-long rivalry. Greenville landed the first punch when Cam Hausinger scored late in the first period at 17:33, giving the Swamp Rabbits a 1–0 lead heading into the locker room.

The second period flipped the script. At 9:12, veteran Cody Sylvester set up Mike McNamee for a quirky deflection that popped over the Greenville goalie and tied the game. Gas South Arena barely had time to settle before the next eruption—just 49 seconds later, Anthony Firriolo and Sylvester helped spring Joey Cipollone for the go-ahead goal, sending the crowd to its feet. Greenville managed to tie things up before the end of the frame, but Atlanta skated into the third period with swagger and momentum.

That energy burst wide open in the final period. At 3:04, Ryan Nolan finished a smooth counterattack assisted by McNamee and Alex Young, putting Atlanta back on top 3–2. Then, just under three minutes later, Cipollone struck again—this time off a perfect feed from Young—to make it 4–2 and bring the building to full roar.

The Swamp Rabbits pushed hard, but Gladiators goaltender Ethan Haider delivered one of the clutch moments of the night with a massive one-on-one stop at 8:40 to protect the two-goal lead. Tempers escalated late, and penalties piled up for both sides, but the Gladiators’ penalty kill shut the door and iced the win.

In a game packed with grit, depth scoring, and clutch stops, Atlanta proved they're not just fighting—they’re winning with identity and confidence. The rivalry with Greenville is officially brewing, the home ice is defended, and the Gladiators now move to 9–3 on the season as they get set for a Sunday showdown with the South Carolina Stingrays.