Atlanta Gladiators Defeat Solar Bears 2-1

Orlando Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
OSB Goalie #31 Michael Simpson | Photo: TJ Waller, FMN

Orlando KIA Center – The Atlanta Gladiators slap another home “L” on the Orlando Solar Bears win/loss column Wednesday night in the KIA Center dropping the Bears from #5 at the beginning of the regular season to #10 in the standings with 3 wins, 4 losses, and 1 OTL (Overtime Loss).

Solar Bears Period One

Orlando Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
Team members assist OSB goalie | Photo: TJ Waller, FMN

If there is such a thing as a slow-paced hockey game, this meeting definitely fit the bill. Maybe it was due to being a Wednesday night, maybe it was the paucity of fans in the stands, but both teams seem to skate with a lack of intensity typical hockey games are known for.

Orlando Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
Goal in Period One by #24 Jack Adams Waved Off | Photo: Orlando Solar Bears

The Solar Bears took 11 shots on goal, yet none of them found the back of the net. Atlanta, taking only 7 shots, scored the only goal before the first intermission with Eric Neiley lighting up the light. Jack Adams of the Solar Bears did put the puck in the net about 15 minutes into the game, but the goal was waved off due to “incidental contact with the goaltender.” I contacted Joey Battaino, Director of Communications & Broadcasting for the Solar Bears, and he told me that the play was “not ruled goalie interference, which would have been an Orlando penalty and no goal.”

Orlando Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
#41 Spencer Kersten takes the play away from the net | Photo: TJ Waller, FMN

Period Two

Orlando Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
Tyler Bird #7 Scores Only Solar Bear Goal | Photo: TJ Waller, FMN

Though the game seemed to slow down even more with Orlando taking a paltry six shots against Atlanta’s eight, at 10:17 into the second Tyler Bird shoots and evens the score with the only goal against Atlanta’ goalie Ethan Haider with the assist by Brayden Low and Djibril Touré.

Period Three

Orlando Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
#77 Jimmy Mazza takes control of the puck | Photo: TJ Waller, FMN

The third period saw the most penalties assessed for both teams: Two for Orlando and three for Atlanta. At one point during this period, the Gladiators had two players sitting in the box at the same time giving the Solar Bears a short 5-on-3 power play. Yet even with this attack advantage, the Bears didn’t press it and as a result failed to capitalize.

Orlando Solar Bears vs Atlanta Gladiators
#71 Joey Cipollone of Atlanta scores in Period Two | Photo: TJ Waller, FMN

Gladiator Christian Hausinger scored the only goal of the third bringing the close to 2-1 Atlanta.

Orlando Solar Bears Hockey

Hockey isn’t a game most people associate with Florida. Though the game is growing in popularity in the Sunshine State. And judging by the attendance of the last few home games, it appears that many folks are unaware of the professional team right here in Orlando! Check out the Orlando Solar Bear website for stats of this and all their games and information on how to buy tickets to come enjoy the fun for yourself!

Author

  • TJ Waller FMN

    TJ Waller – FMN Director of Training, Sports Editor, Photographer. With over 50 years of photography experience, TJ is recognized as one of the elite action photographers in Florida and the nation; skillfully portraying the emotions and intensity that accompanies each shot. Be it professional sports, rocket launches, wildlife or even war correspondence, TJ is behind the lens getting the shots. TJ also operates specialized photography workshops; teaching folks how to get the best action photos they can in their chosen activity. If you are in need of a highly skilled and experienced freelance action photographer who can capture the essence of any fast-paced event, TJ is confident that his expertise and dedication will make him a valuable asset to your team.

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