Gladiators Fall 4–3 in Final Seconds to Stingrays in Physical Game 4

The Atlanta Gladiators and South Carolina Stingrays delivered a physical, back-and-forth contest that tilted in favor of the Stingrays, who capitalized on key moments to secure a 4–3 win.

Atlanta came out sharp and wasted no time setting the tone. Just 1:17 into the opening period, Jack O’Brien found the back of the net off a quick sequence, with Josh Davies and Alex Young picking assists. The early goal reflected Atlanta’s aggressive start, as they generated consistent pressure with multiple shots in the first five minutes.

However, South Carolina gradually settled in and began to match that intensity. After weathering the early push, the Stingrays broke through late in the period when Stanley Cooley scored at 17:14, finishing off a strong offensive sequence assisted by Connor Moore and D.J. King. That goal shifted momentum heading into intermission, leveling the game at 1–1.

The second period was defined by physicality and penalties, particularly a chaotic stretch midway through the frame that saw multiple players from both sides sent off for roughing. That sequence disrupted Atlanta’s rhythm and opened the door for South Carolina to take control. Late in the period, King capitalized with a quality scoring chance at 17:57, giving the Stingrays their first lead of the night at 2–1.

Atlanta responded early in the third period, showing resilience. Just over a minute in, Young tied the game at 2–2, finishing a clean setup from Davies. But that momentum was short-lived. South Carolina answered again at 6:19, with Charlie Combs scoring to regain the lead at 3–2.

From there, the Stingrays dictated the pace. They continued to generate high-quality chances, forcing Atlanta goaltender T.J. Semptimphelter to make multiple key saves to keep the game within reach. Atlanta pulled the goalie late in an attempt to spark a comeback, and it paid off briefly when Chad Nychuk scored with just over a minute remaining to tie the game at 3–3.

But the Stingrays delivered the final blow. In the closing seconds, Romain Rodzinski found the net at 19:32, assisted by Cooley and Combs, sealing the 4–3 victory and silencing Atlanta’s late push.

The game highlighted a few key themes. Atlanta showed flashes of strong offensive pressure and resilience, particularly with contributions from Young and Davies, who were involved in multiple scoring plays. However, penalties and defensive lapses at critical moments proved costly.

For South Carolina, balanced scoring and timely execution made the difference. Players like King, Combs, and Cooley stepped up in key moments, while their ability to convert late opportunities ultimately secured the win.

In a game that featured early offense, heavy physical play, and late drama, it was the Stingrays’ composure in crucial moments that proved to be the deciding factor.

Game 5 is scheduled for May 1 at 7:05 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum.