Gladiators Stay Perfect: Atlanta Downs Stingrays 2–1 to Stay Undefeated

The Atlanta Gladiators are still perfect — and they’re making it look good. With a 2–1 win over the South Carolina Stingrays on Sunday afternoon, Atlanta kept its undefeated streak alive and showed why they’re the team to beat in the ECHL.

Atlanta Gladiators | Photo: Atlanta Gladiators

Coming off a 4–2 victory over the Savannah Ghost Pirates the night before, the Glads hit the ice with energy and confidence. Sunday’s matchup marked the 241st meeting between these long-time rivals, and the first of the new season. T.J. Semptimphelter got the start in net for Atlanta, fresh off a shutout against the Florida Everblades, while Mitchell Gibson stood tall on the opposite end for South Carolina.

The first two periods were a battle of grit and patience. Both teams traded chances but couldn’t break through the goaltenders. Atlanta outshot South Carolina 11–6 in the first frame and killed off multiple penalties thanks to solid work from Semptimphelter and the defensive core.

Then came the fireworks. Just 20 seconds into the third period, Carson Denomie lit the lamp with a shorthanded goal — his first of the season — off a setup from Joey Cipollone. That momentum carried into the next shift, when Cipollone struck again, this time with help from Mike McNamee, to make it 2–0.

The Stingrays didn’t go quietly, pulling their goalie late and finally sneaking one past Semptimphelter in the closing minutes. But the Gladiators held firm, skating away with another win and their perfect record intact.

With disciplined defense, clutch goaltending, and a pair of explosive third-period goals, Atlanta proved once again they’re not just winning — they’re dominating.

Final Score: Atlanta Gladiators 2, South Carolina Stingrays 1. To see the Glads highlights click here.
Next Up: The Gladiators look to keep their streak alive as they prepare for another showdown on home ice.