Bligh’s Hat Trick Paces Gladiators Past Icemen

JACKSONVILLE, FL – Nick Bligh recorded a hat trick in the first period to lead the Atlanta Gladiators to a 4-1 victory over the Jacksonville Icemen Sunday afternoon at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

Atlanta struck first just 35 second into the contest.  Following a stellar save by Jacksonville goaltender Ken Appleby, the rebound kicked out to the left boards.  The Icemen tried to clear the puck out of the zone, but the puck was stolen away by Nick Bligh who skated to the high slot and snapped a shot past Appleby for the game’s first goal.

Moments later, Bligh struck again when he finished off a quick Atlanta rush into the zone.  The Gladiators skated the puck on a 3-on-2 rush into the Jacksonville end.  Brett McKenzie and Jack Stander exchanged passes before dishing the puck to Bligh at the right wing circle.  Bligh took a shot that hit off the post and clipped into the net for the goal to put Atlanta on top by two.

In the closing seconds of the opening period, Bligh completed the natural hat trick when the puck wandered to the high slot on a failed clearing attempt.  Bligh skated to the puck and delivered a quick turnaround shot that slipped past Appleby to give the Gladiators a 3-0 lead at the end of the first period. 

The Icemen got on the board with a power play goal at 11:40 of the second period.  Garrett Ladd hammered a slapshot on net that was initially stopped by Atlanta netminder Sean Bonar. However, the rebound jumped to just above the crease and Everett Clark shoved the puck into the net for the tally.  Clark’s goal put the score at 3-1 after two periods of play. 

The Icemen played the third period with a relentless attack, but Sean Bonar stood on his head, turning aside all 11 shots faced in the final frame to keep Jacksonville off the board.  Atlanta’s Justin MacDonald added an empty net tally in the final minute to secure a 4-1 victory.

Bonar was solid stopping 21 of 22 shots faced, while Appleby takes the loss making 18 saves

The Icemen will get a few days off before traveling to Grenville on Sunday, March 17.  Game time is set for 3:00 p.m

Upcoming Home Games & Promotions

Friday, March 29, vs. Atlanta, 7:30 p.m. – Jumbo Shrimp Night!  Join us in celebrating our neighbors from across the street.  The team will wear specialty Jumbo Shrimp jerseys that are a home run! 

Saturday, March 30, vs. Atlanta, 7:00 p.m. – Fan Appreciation Night!  The final home game of the regular season, and there will be a team photo giveaway and other giveaways throughout the night for the best fans in the ECHL!

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