O’Brien’s All-Star Energy Propels Gladiators Past Solar Bears

Jack O’Brien is continuing his All-Star energy, and the Atlanta Gladiators are reaping the benefits.

The Gladiators defeated the Orlando Solar Bears 4-1 at Kia Center on Sunday, improving to 1-0-1 on their current road trip. O’Brien was the catalyst in the victory, recording four points on two goals and two assists.

In the midst of their longest road trip of the season, Atlanta traveled to central Florida for the first of a back-to-back series against Orlando. Ethan Haider drew the start in net for the Gladiators, while Jon Gillies countered for the Solar Bears.

Orlando came out flying from the opening faceoff, generating quality scoring chances and outshooting Atlanta 7-1 early in the contest. The Gladiators gradually found their footing and created offensive opportunities of their own, but the opening frame remained scoreless. The Solar Bears held a 10-5 edge in shots after one period.

Atlanta seized momentum 3:52 into the second period when Alex Young buried a power play goal from the top of the right circle, beating Gillies with assists from O’Brien and Chad Nychuk. The Gladiators controlled the middle frame, reversing the shot differential with a 14-7 advantage in the period and pulling ahead 19-17 through 40 minutes.

The visitors took command in the third period, extending their lead to 2-0 just 2:19 in when Isak Walther netted his 15th goal of the season on the power play, with helpers from Young and O’Brien.

Orlando answered at 6:05 of the final frame when Spencer Kersten converted on the man advantage to cut the deficit to 2-1. But O’Brien slammed the door on any comeback attempt, restoring the two-goal cushion at 7:26 with an even-strength tally from Jack Matier and Mike McNamee. O’Brien sealed the victory with 8:51 remaining, scoring unassisted to make it 4-1.

Atlanta finished with a 34-27 advantage in shots. The Gladiators converted on 2-of-5 power play opportunities while going 2-for-3 on the penalty kill. Haider turned aside 26 of 27 shots for his 13th win of the year as Atlanta improved to 24-9-1 on the season.

The Gladiators and Solar Bears meet again Monday night at 7:00 PM EST at Kia Center. Coverage on the Gladiators Broadcast Network begins at 6:40 PM on FloHockey and YouTube as Atlanta’s lengthy road trip continues.