South Carolina Stingrays Defeat Atlanta Gladiators 4–1, Spoil Strong Start in Road Trip Finale

The South Carolina Stingrays defeated the Atlanta Gladiators 4–1 on Friday night at North Charleston Coliseum, handing Atlanta a loss in the final game of its four-game road trip.

Atlanta controlled much of the early play and outshot South Carolina through the first two periods, but the Stingrays scored three third-period goals to secure the victory.

Gladiators Strike First

Atlanta opened the game with strong offensive pressure, spending much of the first period in the South Carolina zone. The physical tone of the game was set midway through the period when Dylan Carabia and Ben Hawerchuk dropped the gloves at 7:54.

The Gladiators took the lead with 8:25 remaining in the period when Joey Cipollone scored his 14th goal of the season. The goal was assisted by Ryan Francis and Max Grondin.

The assist marked the first professional point for Grondin, who was making his debut for Atlanta.

Atlanta outshot the Stingrays 14–5 in the opening period and carried a 1–0 lead into the first intermission.

Stingrays Tie Game in Second Period

The Gladiators began the second period with another strong push but were unable to extend their lead. Early in the period, Ethan Scardina fought Stan Cooley as the physical play continued.

South Carolina goaltender Seth Eisele left the game with an apparent injury 5:43 into the period and was replaced by backup Ty Taylor.

The Stingrays capitalized on their first power-play opportunity late in the period when Josh Wilkins redirected a pass from Kyler Kupka with 3:35 remaining to tie the game at 1–1.

Shots in the period were even at 9–9, with Atlanta leading 23–14 overall through two periods.

South Carolina Pulls Away in Third

The Stingrays took control early in the third period. Just 19 seconds after the opening faceoff, Dean Loukus scored the go-ahead goal after a setup from Hawerchuk and Ryan Hofer.

South Carolina extended its lead moments later when Kupka scored on the power play at the 2:36 mark, giving the Stingrays a 3–1 advantage.

Atlanta had several opportunities to respond but was unable to convert on the power play, finishing the night 0-for-5 with the man advantage.

Jordan Klimek sealed the win for South Carolina with an empty-net goal with 24 seconds remaining.

By the Numbers

T.J. Semptimphelter made 17 saves on 20 shots for Atlanta in the loss.

Taylor stopped all 14 shots he faced after replacing Eisele, who finished with 19 saves on 20 shots before leaving the game.

Atlanta went 1-for-2 on the penalty kill but could not capitalize on its five power-play opportunities.

The Gladiators will look to regroup after the road trip as they return to action in the upcoming week.