The Atlanta Gladiators return to action Saturday afternoon, October 31, when they visit the Jacksonville Icemen at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET as the Gladiators look to end a three-game losing streak and Jacksonville aims to build on its first victory of the 2026–27 season.
Atlanta enters the matchup at 1–4–0–0 with two points, while Jacksonville improved to 1–2–1–1 with four points following Friday night’s overtime victory against Orlando. The contest marks the first meeting between the South Division opponents this season.
Where to Watch or Listen
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM ET
Venue: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida
Watch: FloHockey
Stream: ECHL games on FloHockey
Listen: Official ECHL Game Center for team audio broadcast links.
Atlanta Gladiators News & Notes
The Gladiators have not played since October 24, when they fell 4–2 to the Florida Everblades. Atlanta has scored seven goals through five games while allowing 18, averaging 1.40 goals for and 3.60 against per contest.
One area Atlanta will look to improve is its ability to generate sustained offensive pressure. The Gladiators have averaged 26.4 shots per game, while Jacksonville’s defense allowed nearly 40 shots per contest through its first four games. That matchup could give Atlanta opportunities to put more pucks toward the net, provided the Gladiators can capitalize on rebounds and second-chance opportunities.
Defensively, Atlanta will need to focus on clearing its own zone and limiting extended possessions. Winning battles along the boards, moving the puck out of dangerous areas, and preventing repeated opportunities around the crease could help reduce the workload on its goaltenders.
Atlanta also made a roster move on October 28, signing forward Jordan D’Intino to an ECHL Standard Player Contract. D’Intino originally joined the Gladiators from Toronto Metropolitan University on September 30 before being released on October 14.
Jacksonville Icemen News & Notes
Jacksonville enters Saturday’s matchup with some momentum after earning its first victory of the season Friday night, defeating the Orlando Solar Bears 3–2 in overtime.
The Icemen rallied from a two-goal deficit behind goals from Jesse Tucker and Jaden Condotta. Condotta tied the game on the power play in the third period before scoring the overtime winner off a setup from Tucker. Goaltender Cameron Rowe made 32 saves to help Jacksonville secure the victory.
The result offers a different outlook for the Icemen than their first four games, when they managed six goals while allowing 14. Jacksonville demonstrated an ability to recover from an early deficit Friday, but will now face the challenge of carrying that performance into the second game of a back-to-back.
The Icemen’s defensive-zone coverage remains an area to watch. Their goaltenders posted a combined .924 save percentage through the opening four games despite facing 159 shots. Finding ways to clear the zone and reduce second-chance opportunities could help Jacksonville maintain the momentum gained in Orlando.
Special Teams: An Opportunity for Both Clubs
Both teams entered the weekend struggling to convert on the power play. Atlanta had scored twice in 24 opportunities (8.3%), while Jacksonville had converted once in 14 chances (7.1%) through October 24.
Jacksonville, however, received a timely boost Friday when Condotta scored the tying goal on the power play against Orlando. That success could be particularly important against an Atlanta penalty kill that has been one of the team’s more encouraging areas.
Through its first five games, Atlanta successfully killed 16 of 19 opportunities (84.2%). Jacksonville entered Friday with 14 kills in 17 chances (82.4%). The contrast between each club’s penalty kill and power-play production highlights an opportunity for either team to gain an advantage with the man advantage.
Players to Watch
Atlanta Gladiators
Samuel Tremblay has recorded three points (2G, 1A) through five games. His ability to finish scoring opportunities could be important against a Jacksonville team that has relied heavily on its goaltenders.
Mike McNamee and Ethan Strang have also contributed three points apiece, with each recording one goal and two assists. Atlanta will look to its offensive contributors to help create more opportunities and establish pressure in Jacksonville’s zone.
Jacksonville Icemen
Jaden Condotta enters the matchup following a two-goal performance against Orlando, including Friday’s overtime winner. His production gives Atlanta another offensive threat to account for, particularly around the net.
Jesse Tucker also played an important role Friday, scoring Jacksonville’s first goal and assisting on the winner.
Through Jacksonville’s first four games, Sasha Teleguine recorded one goal and two assists, Tyler Schleppe contributed three assists, and Drew Kuzma registered two goals and one assist.
Goaltending Matchup
Goaltending could play an important role Saturday, particularly with both teams working to limit the number of scoring opportunities they allow. Atlanta has relied heavily on Ethan Haider and T.J. Semptimphelter through its opening five games, while Jacksonville has received strong performances from Cameron Rowe and Michael Bullion.
For Atlanta, Ethan Haider has appeared in three games, posting a 1–2 record with a 3.67 goals-against average and an .884 save percentage. T.J. Semptimphelter, who was activated from reserve on October 18, has appeared in two games, recording a 3.07 GAA and a .918 save percentage. Both goaltenders have faced considerable pressure as the Gladiators work to improve their defensive-zone coverage and clear pucks.
Jacksonville has received encouraging performances from both of its netminders. Cameron Rowe enters Saturday with a 2.47 GAA and a .927 save percentage through three appearances, including Friday’s 32-save performance against Orlando. Michael Bullion has posted a .974 save percentage and a 1.03 GAA in one appearance.
Jacksonville’s goaltending numbers stand out given the number of shots the Icemen have allowed. For Atlanta, creating traffic around the crease, generating rebounds, and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities could be especially important. Jacksonville, meanwhile, will look to challenge Atlanta’s netminders while preventing the Gladiators from establishing sustained offensive pressure.
What to Watch: Atlanta’s Opportunity
For Atlanta, Saturday’s matchup presents an opportunity to put more pressure on an opposing defense that has allowed a high volume of shots. The Gladiators will need to do more than simply increase their shot totals, however. Creating traffic in front of the net, following up on rebounds, and turning offensive-zone possessions into quality scoring chances will be important.
At the other end, the Gladiators will benefit from finding more efficient ways to clear their defensive zone. Jacksonville has shown it can respond when trailing, as demonstrated Friday in Orlando, making it important for Atlanta to limit prolonged pressure and avoid giving the Icemen repeated opportunities.
Jacksonville’s Opportunity to Build Momentum
Jacksonville enters Saturday with a different challenge after earning its first win. Rather than searching for a breakthrough, the Icemen will be looking to build on a comeback victory while managing the demands of playing on consecutive days.
The Icemen have an opportunity to test Atlanta’s defensive-zone coverage, particularly if they can establish possession and create traffic around the crease. Their ability to sustain pressure was evident against Orlando, but limiting Atlanta’s opportunities at the other end will be equally important.
With both teams looking to improve their early-season results, the matchup will come down to which club manages the puck more effectively, limits second-chance opportunities, and makes the most of its time in the offensive zone.
Next Games
Atlanta Gladiators: Sunday, November 1, at South Carolina Stingrays — 3:05 PM ET.
Jacksonville Icemen: Tuesday, November 3, vs. Savannah Ghost Pirates — 10:30 AM ET.
