Preivew: after a long and winding 7-game road trip, the Atlanta Gladiators are back at the Gas South District this week as they inch closer to the top spot in the ECHL South Division

Since their last home game on January 19, 2026 at the Gas South District, the Atlanta Gladiators are on the road making their way as they get closer to concluding one of their longer road trips of the season.

Coming into their game against the Greensboro Gargoyles (February 3, 2026 at 7pm EST taking place at the First Horizon Center), the Glads are assured of a winning record as they close out the 7-game road trip (they are currently 4-1-1 in their prior games). After their time in the Triad, they return home for 2 games to close out the week.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026 (7:10pm EST), Atlanta hosts the Florida Everblades (who as of February 2, 2026 are in 1st place in the ECHL South with a 26-9-5-1 overall record/58 points). While they have a 3 point lead over the Glads, they have played 3 more games to this point, so the Glads have an opportunity to move up the ECHL South standings with a few games in hand (27-10-1-0 overall record/55 points). On Friday, February 6, 2026 (7:10pm EST), they are back on home ice against another division rival, the Jacksonville Ice Men (17-21-2-0 overall record/36 points). Even thought they occupy last place (7th place in the division), they are only 5 points out of a playoff spot as the top 4 teams in each division make the post-season.

As the season is in its 2nd half, as is the case throughout the year, defense is the Gladiators' calling card. To date, they are giving up a league leading 2.08 goals per game (79 goals allowed in 38 games). Led by the goaltending tandem of ECHL All-Star T.J. Semptimphelter (13-5-1/1.74 goals allowed average/.938 save percentage) and Ethan Haider (14-5-0/2.39 goals allowed average/.922 save percentage), along with the backline efforts of Chad Nychuk (6 goals/28 assists/34 points/a +25 rating) and others, the Glads truly make goals hard to come by for the opposition.

Alex Young (13 goals/19 assists/32 points/a +15 rating) and ECHL All-Star Jack O'Brien (17 goals/13 assists/30 points/a +3 rating) lead an Atlanta offense who has 6 players with 20 or more points this season (essentially a point every other game). The Glads are scoring right at 3 goals per game (114 goals in 38 games) and doing their part to put pressure on opposing defenses while generating scoring opportunities to compliment their offense.

Speaking of compliments, both games this week are themed events for fans of all levels to enjoy.

With the second of their College Nights (as college students have the opportunity to attend the February 4th game against Florida at a discounted rate) along with this Friday's Brick Party theme on February 6th against Jacksonville (as there's a kids building zone, a special Gladiators Brick Mosaic, and special appearances from Master Brick Builders, including the Speed Brick Building during the game intermissions), there's some engaging action on and off the ice.

As each game becomes more critical than the previous as the post-season is gradually coming (in April), the Atlanta Gladiators are making a solid push toward the top of the division standings and beyond.

The Glads take a 1-0 lead in their last home game on January 19, 2026 (Sensory Friendly Game).

Notes: The photos are used via the Atlanta Gladiators. For our 2025-26 season coverage, you may check out our playlist (click HERE) for interviews with the players and coaches, along with in-game snapshots. You may check out our coverage/articles on our site (click HERE for more details).