The in-state rivalry renewed: the Atlanta Gladiators' 2 shorthanded goals are key in their 4-2 win over their in-state and ECHL South division rivals, the Savannah Ghost Pirates

Preview: Savannah Ghost Pirates (2-0-1-1/6 points/tied for 2nd place in the ECHL South) vs Atlanta Gladiators (4-0-0-0-/8 points/tied for 1st place in the ECHL South)

November 1, 2025 is more than just the start of a new month; it's the renewal of an ECHL South rivalry which takes on extra meaning given both teams are here in Georgia and lurking at the top of the division standings early in the season.

The Savannah Ghost Pirates come in a mere 2 points out of 1st place in the early stages of the season; with a win tonight, they could be in a tie for first place, so the offense led by Dennis Cesana (0 goals/7 assists/7 points) and Robert Mastrosimone (4 goals/3 assists/7 points) looks to create challenges for the Atlanta Gladiators' defense which is allowing a meager 1.5 goals per game (6 goals allowed in 4 games).

The Atlanta Gladiators are off to a fast start this season and sit in a tie for 1st place in the division. Combined with their stellar defense, the team is scoring 3.5 goals per game. Team leading scorers Alex Young (3 goals/3 assists/6 points) and Chad Nychuk (1 goal/4 assists/5 points) pace the team's up-tempo attack and not only look to getting off to another fast start, but with their improvement in closing out games, making their way to another win in this critical division series as they open up a 3-game homestand at the Gas South District tonight (November 1, 2025 at 7:10pm EST).

Recap: The Glads' 2 shorthanded goals within 6 seconds of each other give them an early lead and catapults them to a win.

On Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the game starts by taking time to celebrate the life of Gladiators' great (and ECHL Hall of Fame player) Cam Brown (1969-2025).

Once the celebration of life concludes, the Glads take the celebration to the ice with their fast-tempo style of play.

Joey Cipollone gives Atlanta an early lead at the 6:15 mark of the 1st period by scoring his first goal of the season (assisted by Cody Sylvester and Mike McNamee).

And then when Savannah goes on the power play, the Glads turn it up a notch.

Chad Nychuck scores a shorthanded goal (his 2nd of the year) at the 13:53 mark to give Atlanta a 2-0 lead (assisted by Louis Boudon). And by the time the official scorekeeper announces the score, the Glads add a second shorthanded goal 6 seconds later thanks to Ryan Nolan's 2nd goal of the year to make it a 3-0 game.

Savannah would finally get on the scoreboard at the 14:25 mark of the 2nd period. Phip Waugh's goal (his 2nd of the season/assisted by Josh Davies and Hunter Johannes) cuts into the Atlanta lead, making it a 3-1 game.

In a game sprinkled with multiple penalties and chippy play between the teams, the Ghost Pirates get their way back into the game as they open the 3rd period with a goal from Josh Davies (his 2nd of the season) to make it a 3-2 game. However, the Glads would respond at the 4:21 mark as Mickey Burns' 3rd goal of the season (assisted by Ryan Nolan and Alex Young) extends the lead to a 4-2 margin and close out the game with their 5th win of the season.

While Savannah has more shots on goal (34-23), Atlanta's ability to register 2 shorthanded goals plays a key role in their win (along with having 4 players score in tonight's win). The Glads' goaltender Ethan Haider (32 saves on 34 shots) gives them another solid performance in the net compared to his counterpart, the Ghost Pirates' Evan Cormier (19 saves on 23 shots).

As is the case early in the season, the Atlanta Gladiators are playing with a balance of hard work, execution, and confidence, as they get their homestand off to a sound start.

Notes: All video and photos are recorded via asnortonccs; you may watch our 2025-26 season playlist of game snapshots and interviews by clicking HERE.

The Atlanta Gladiators have the 2nd game of their 3-game homestand on November 2, 2025 (3pm EST start at the Gas South District) against the South Carolina Stingrays (another ECHL South Division foe).