Early-morning matchups in the ECHL continued Thursday, with the Kelly Cup champions picking up a win on the road.
This week has been quite an education for teachers and students in many ECHL cities. Numerous games over the last three days were played in the morning, allowing schools to learn about hockey and have fun at the same time.
The Florida Everblades and Atlanta Gladiators squared off in Duluth, Ga. For a Thursday morning tilt, with Florida prevailing 5-2. It was the second game of the Everblades’ current road trip after a 1-0 shutout over the Orlando Solar Bears Monday.
Kids and teachers who gathered at Gas South Arena may have come away disappointed in the outcome, but they were treated to some exciting hockey.
The first period was fast-paced, with Florida striking first after Tyler Kobryn found the net early in the frame for his second tally in as many games.
The Everblades had several other opportunities to increase the margin, but Atlanta’s defense held firm, and the score remained 1-0 as the two teams skated into the dressing room for the first intermission.
The Gladiators finally got even in the second when Michael Marchesan and Andrew Jarvis each tallied a goal to put their club ahead 2-1.
The Kelly Cup champions decided enough was enough, closing the door while quickly responding to take back the game. Kade Landry tied the score 2-2 with his first professional goal.
Florida regained the lead late in the third period on a Kyle Betts goal. Collin Theisen then followed with two goals in quick succession, including an empty-netter to preserve the victory for the Everblades.
Will Cranley picked up the win in net for Florida, stopping 25 of 27 shots. Ethan Haider absorbed the loss for the Gladiators, giving up five goals on 27 shots faced.
The Everblades have dominated the last two meetings with Atlanta, pitching a 6-0 shutout Oct. 30 for their highest offensive output of the young season. Cranley was the star in that contest as well, stopping all 25 shots he faced to earn his first career professional shutout in his Florida debut.
Florida moves its record to 8-2-0, while the Gladiators drop to 3-7-2.