The Greenville Road Warriors scored three unanswered goals en route to a 3-1 victory over the Gwinnett Gladiators at the BI-LO Center on Friday night. The Road Warriors stretched their win streak to three games and improved their record to 4-1-1 on the season.
The first period was a defensive struggle as both teams shut down scoring opportunities early. The momentum shifted the Gladiators way after an outlet to Michael Forney provided a 1-on-1 opportunity and he beat Road Warriors goalie Nic Riopel glove side at 16:53 in the first. Assists on the play went to Tim Miller and Matt Francis.
The Road Warriors shifted the momentum early in the second period after a pinpoint pass from Chris Morehouse set up Brendan Connolly for a one-timer past Gladiator goalie Chris Carrozzi at 2:38 into the second period to the score at 1-1. Morehouse, notched his first point as a Road Warrior after being acquired by Greenville last week in a trade with Cincinnati. Sean Berkstresser also assisted on the play for his point of the season. The defensive battle continued into the end of the second period as the Road Warriors T.J. Reynolds and the Gladiators Miller received 10 minute misconduct penalties that carried over into the third period.
The rough play continued into the third period, but the Road Warriors took control of the game as Justin Bowers scored his second goal of the year and ultimately the game winner on a breakaway beating Carrozzi high stick side to give the Road Warriors a 2-1 lead 4:02 into the third. Blake Parlett and Julien Brouillette recorded assists on the play. The Road Warriors were provided with a little breathing room as Marc-Olivier Vallerand beat Carrozzi at 18:08 of the third to push the lead to 3-1. Mark Voakes received an assist on the play.
Riopel continued his hot streak after being named ECHL Goalie of the Week stopping 31 of 32 Gladiator shots en route to his fourth win of the year. Greenville went 0-for-1 on the power play, and 3-for-3 on the penalty kill.
Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors are back on home ice to take on the Florida Everblades on Thursday, November 11 at 7:05 p.m. ET. As part of their Veterans’ Day celebrations the Road Warriors will be giving a free ticket to active military and military veterans who show ID at the BI-LO Center Box Office. It will also be a Thirsty Thursday with select fountain drinks and draft beers available for just $1! For ticket information call 864-674-PUCK or visit www.greenvilleroadwarriors.com.
