Swamp Rabbits defeat Gladiators 2-1 in series opener

GREENVILLE, S.C. (Jan. 17, 2026) — The Greenville Swamp Rabbits edged the Atlanta Gladiators 2-1 on Saturday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in the first of three consecutive games between the South Division rivals.

Remy Parker opened the scoring 1:33 into the second period, tipping in a shot from Josh Atkinson with an additional assist from Keaton Mastrodonato to give Greenville a 1-0 lead.

Atlanta answered at 5:04 of the second when Cody Sylvester scored on a rebound off a shot from Dylan Carabia. The goal marked Sylvester’s 350th career ECHL point and tied the game at 1-1.

Greenville regained the lead later in the period on a power play. Cam Hausinger scored with 3:37 remaining in the second off assists from Mastrodonato and Ryan O’Hara, a goal that proved to be the game-winner.

Isaiah Saville started in net for Greenville but briefly left the game late in the second period due to an equipment issue. Mattias Sholl stopped both shots he faced in relief before Saville returned for the third. T.J. Semptimphelter made 31 saves on 33 shots for Atlanta.

Neither team scored in the first or third periods. Greenville outshot Atlanta 9-7 in a scoreless opening frame, and both teams were held off the board in the final period as the Swamp Rabbits preserved the lead.

The Gladiators went 0-for-2 on the power play and killed two of three penalties. With the loss, Atlanta fell to 21-9 on the season after entering the game having won six straight meetings against Greenville.

The teams continue the three-game set with matchups Sunday and Monday at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia.