Summoning their inner Thrasher. On the first game of Hockey Heritage Weekend, the Atlanta Gladiators bring back Blueland against the Savannah Ghost Pirates

Preview: Savannah Ghost Pirates (25-24-2-0/52 points/6th place in the ECHL Southern Division) vs the Atlanta Gladiators (23-24-5-2/53 points/5th place in the ECHL Southern Division)

Entering the month of March, the Atlanta Gladiators have 18 games left (including their March 1, 2025 game/7pm EST start at the Gas South District) to make their push for the playoffs as the top-4 teams in each division of the ECHL (16 teams overall) make the post-season.

As an added incentive, this weekend is Hockey Heritage Weekend as the team breaks out the Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) jerseys as they host another bitter division rival, the Savannah Ghost Pirates. While the Pirates have a slightly better win percentage, the Gladiators have more points, hence the higher position in the division and conference standings.

Savannah's Reece Vitelli (12 goals/35 assists/47 points) and Dennis Cesana (12 goals/34 assists/46 points) lead an offense averaging a little over 3 goals per game (3.3) while Keith Kinkaid (7-12-1-0 with a 3.26 goals allowed average and .885 save percentage) leads a team defense allowing 3.5 goals per game. Atlanta counters with leading scorers Cody Sylvester (19 goals/17 assists/36 points) and Blake Murray (12 goals/21 assists/33 points) to take advantage of the Pirates' defense (Atlanta is averaging 2.6 goals per game) and goalie Drew DeRidder (14-11-0-1 with 3 shutouts along with a 3.04 goals allowed average and .896 save percentage) looks to limit the Savannah offense.

Highlights: An early goal and solid effort combined with the Blueland vibes lead to a win for the Gladiators (Thrashers for tonight)

The Gladiators (often referenced as the Thrashers during game play) jump out to a 1-0 lead thanks to Carson Denomie's 9th goal of the season (1:59 in the 1st period assisted by Ryan Cranford).

They would score early in the 2nd period (3:12 of the 2nd period) as Chad Nychuck nets his 5th goal of the season (in his 12th game with the Glads). The Ghost Pirates would take exception to this and draw a roughing penalty which gives the Glads a power play opportunity, but they are held in check.

Both teams would have opportunities as the play gets more physical, but to both goalies' credit, their efforts keep the game where one play either way could either seal the deal (for Atlanta) or draw closer (Savannah).

Despite pulling their goalie for an extra skater, the Ghost Pirates are shut down and out by the Gladiators (3-0) as on the penalty kill, Atlanta's Andrew Jarvis scores an empty net goal (his 5th of the year at the 19:53 mark of the 3rd period to secure the win.

Drew DeRidder's shutout effort (30 saves on 30 shots) helps ensure a win.

And for a moment, fans enjoy the opportunity to believe in Blueland.

Notes: You may catch the season playlist for related snapshots (click HERE). The Gladiators host the Ghost Pirates at 3pm at the Gas South District on March 2nd (3pm EST) to conclude Hockey Heritage Weekend.