Opening night: the Glads' energy and execution results in a 3-2 overtime win over the Grizzlies

Preview: Utah Grizzlies (1-0-0-0) vs the Atlanta Gladiators (0-0-0-0)

Opening Night/Weekend is typically an exciting time.

It's the start of the season and for the ECHL, the start of a 72 regular season game run to make the playoffs and ultimately claim the league's top prize, the Kelly Cup.

For the visiting Utah Grizzlies (1-0-0-0), their season gets off to a sound start on Friday evening (October 17, 2025) as they open with a 3-1 win at the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Led by Garrett Pyke (2 goals) and Ty Voit (1 goal), the affiliate of the Colordo Avalanche is looking to build off the momentum from their season opener to attempt to put a damper on the season opener for the Atlanta Gladiators.

Coming off an improved season, the team is led by team captain Cody Sylvester. With new head coach Matt Ginn and a roster of 14 new players, the affiliate of the Nashville Predators looks to improve on their ability to close out games, as doing so can make the difference between making the postseason or concluding their season in April (the end of the regular season).

Tonight's game at the Gas South District (October 18, 2025 with the puck dropping at 7:10pm EST) brings a definitive energy and excitement as the regular season is now underway.

Game recap: The Glads extend the game to overtime and earn a 3-2 win over the Utah Grizzlies.

The Utah Grizzlies would get the scoring started in the 1st period. At the 9:10 mark of the period, Ty Volt scores his 2nd goal of the season (assisted by Christian Felton and Luc Salem) for an early lead.

And early is the operative word as in the 2nd period, the Atlanta Gladiators even the score at 1. Anthony Firriolo's goal is not only his first of the season, but the team's first of the year. Assisted by Ethan Scardina and Chad Nychuk, the team gets in the scoring column along with energizing the crowd right out the gate.

However, Jack Ricketts would help the Grizzlies retake the lead (2-1) with his 1st goal of the year at the 7:11 mark of the 2nd period (assisted by Danny Dzhaniyev and Luke LaMaster).

The Utah lead would be short-lived, as Atlanta evens the score at 2 early in the 3rd period (2:28). Anthony Firriolo scores his 2nd goal of the game (and season) with assists from Alex Young and Chad Nychuk.

With the game deadlocked at 2 at the end of regulation (3 period), it moves into overtime. And over a brief amount of time, Atlanta comes away victorious; Louis Boudon nets the game winning goal 28 seconds into overtime (assisted by Mike McNamee and Cody Sylvester) on the power play to give the Gladiators a thrilling opening night win (3-2).

Post-game: On Opening Night, the Glads' ability to come back and close out the Grizzlies shows early growth and team resolve.

Atlanta's efficiency on the power play (they are 1 for 2 while Utah is does not score on their lone opportunity) helps make a difference in tonight's game. Their offensive attack (they outshoot Utah 36 to 22) helps put pressure on the Grizzlies' defense and generate scoring opportunities.

Utah is led by Ty Voit and Jack Ricketts (both players score a goal) on offense; goaltender Dylan Wells makes 33 saves on 36 shots against the Atlanta offense. Atlanta's Anthony Firrolo (2 goals) and Louis Boudon (1 goal/the game winner) lead the offense, as goaltender Ethan Haider makes 20 saves on 22 shots.

During the pressor, head coach Matt Ginn acknowledges the challenges Utah presents, but speaks to the positives the team shows early, including their focus and overall effort, as they'll look to build on tonight's win (you may watch his full remarks to the media below):

Louis Boudon speaks to the mindset and approach needed when going into overtime among other aspects of the game, including scoring the game-winning goal (you may watch his full remarks to the media below):

Anthony Firriolo, whose 2 goals and effort play a key role in the team's win, shares takeaways from tonight's game which can help them for their next game and beyond (you may watch his full remarks to the media below):

Team Captain Cody Sylvester closes out the time with the media. His references to chemistry building and along with understanding and applying their style of play are among the themes shared in his recap (you may watch his full remarks to the media below):

Notes: You may watch game snapshots and interviews by visiting our 2025-26 season playlist (click HERE). For season coverage, click HERE.

Both teams will play each other on October 19, 2025 at 3pm EST (Gas South District).