Triple play: the Atlanta Gladiators' upcoming 3-and-3 against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits is an opportunity to remain in striking distance of the ECHL South Division lead

During the grind of the ECHL regular season (72 total games), each game has its own merit and importance.

When it comes to the upcoming weekend (January 17-19, 2026), the Atlanta Gladiators hit another key stretch in the season. As they inch closer to the midpoint of the season (and upcoming All-Star Break which begins on January 19, 2026 in Allen, Texas at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center), their upcoming 3-and-3 (3 games over 3 consecutive days) affords them with an opportunity to move up the ECHL South Division standings.

Despite their recent 2 game losing streak, the Glads have a 7-3-0-0 record over their last 10 games. Overall (21-8-0-0/42 points), they are in 3rd place as they are 5 games behind the division leading Florida Everblades (who have 50 points, but have played 4 more games than the Gladiators) and the 2nd place South Carolina Stingrays (who have 45 points, but have played 5 more games than the Gladiators). As is the case during the season, the team's defense is their calling card for their season success; to date, they've allowed 61 goals this season, just barely over 2 goals a game (2.10 goals allowed average). The combination of All-Star goaltender T.J. Semptimphelter (11-4-0-0/1.55 goals allowed average/.943 save percentage/1 shutout) and Ethan Haider (10-4-0-0/2.66 goals allowed average/.916 save percentage) and solid backline play are integral to the team's success. Combined with the offensive presence of recently acquired and fellow All-Star Jack O'Brien (14 goals/11 assists/25 points/-1 rating), Alex Young (9 goals/16 assists/25 points/+13 rating), Chad Nychuk (3 goals/22 assists/25 points/+20 rating), and recently reassigned Iask Walther (13 goals/10 assists/23 points/+14 rating), the team is scoring slightly more than 3 goals per game (3.17 goals per game average/92 total goals this season).

Atlanta opens their 3-and-3 at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC (the home of the Greenville Swamp Rabbits) on January 17th at 6:10pm; they'll return home on January 18th (3:10pm at the Gas South District) and close out the series at home on January 19th (1pm at the Gas South District). Sunday's game is the highly anticipated (and rescheduled) Frosty Boots and Country Roots Night where with each ticket purchase, fans receive a Gladiators' Cowbell and other goodies; Monday afternoon's game is not only Sensory Friendly Day (which includes lower volume, no goal horn, dimmed lights, and quiet zones designed for a calm and inclusive experience), but after the game, the entire team will be available to the fans in attendance for autographs.

Again, the grind of the season leads to its set of challenges, including the upcoming weekend game schedule. However, it provides an opportunity for the Atlanta Gladiators to remain in the hunt for the division lead/upper level of the division as they progress through the season.

Notes: You may watch our in-game snapshots and related interviews by clicking HERE; for our season and related hockey coverage, you may visit our website.