JACKSONVILLE, FLA – The Atlanta Gladiators struck early and cruised to a comfortable 4-1 victory Wednesday night over the Jacksonville Icemen in northeast Florida. Sam Asselin shined with a 4-point performance as the Glads evened their record at 3-3 on the young season.
Atlanta struck just over two minutes into the contest, when Asselin and defenseman Joel Messner found forward Nick Bligh for his second tally of the campaign. With 6:25 to play in the opening frame, it was Asselin striking again. His unassisted goal doubled the Gladiators’ lead before Maxime Fortier cut the decifit in half with 1:20 to play in the first period.
Just over two minute into the middle frame, Messner regained the two-goal advantage. Asselin and captain Derek Nesbitt assisted the Lorette, Alberta native to take a 3-1 lead. Goalie Martin Ouellette’s brilliant night in goal kept the hosting Icemen at bay. The Gladiators struck again less than two minutes into the final frame. Forward Eric Neiliey fed Asselin for his second goal of the night, giving Atlanta a dominant three-goal lead. Holding Jacksonville to a stifling four shots in the third period, the Gladiators’ defense would not relinquish the lead. The victory brought Atlanta to a .500 winning percentage at 3-3 in the early campaign.
The Gladiators return home Sunday, November 3rd when they host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at 2:05 p.m.
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