Isak Walther’s hat trick powers Gladiators over Grizzlies in 5-1 win | Pro Hockey News

West Valley City, UT – The Atlanta Gladiators defeated the Utah Grizzlies 5-1 on Friday night at Maverik Center to improve to 16-5 on the season. Isak Walther led the way, recording his first professional hat trick with three goals against Utah.

After winning the opening game of the three-game set 6-3 on Wednesday, the Gladiators looked to continue their winning streak on Friday evening. TJ Semptimphelter started in net for the Gladiators, while Dylan Wells got the start for the Grizzlies.

For the second straight game, Isak Walther opened the scoring 9:39 into the first period. Cody Sylvester and Louis Boudon earned the assists on goal to put Atlanta up 1-0. The Grizzlies did have a chance on the power play in the opening frame, but Atlanta was able to get the kill. The shots were 7-6 in favor of the Grizzlies after one period of play.

Isak Walther struck again at 11:08 of the second period, tipping in a precise tape-to-tape pass from Cody Sylvester to make it 2-0 Gladiators. Louis Boudon also got an assist. With the assist, Sylvester recorded his 300^e career professional help. 1:50 later, Ethan Scardina redirected a hit pass from Chad Nychuk to make it 3-0. Scardina’s second goal of the year was assisted by Nychuk and Jack Matier. After three periods, Atlanta led 3-0, while Utah outscored 19-16.

Atlanta controlled the game in the third period and extended its lead, with Ryan Nolan scoring with 5:29 left from Ryan Francis and Alex Young to make it 4-0. Nolan extended his points streak to five games with two goals and four assists in that span. With the assist, Francis now has 100 points in his professional career. The Grizzlies broke Semptimphelter’s shutout bid with a pinball shot that skipped a series of bodies to make it a 4-1 game. Reilly Connors scored his first of the year off Colby Enns and Evan Friesen with 4:57 to play. The Gladiators went to the power play late in regulation, and on that power play, Isak Walther buried his third of the night on a stuff attempt, earning his first professional hat trick. It is the first hat trick for a Gladiators skater since Cody Sylvester scored three times against Cincinnati in a 5-3 victory on 1/25/2025. Walther’s goal made it 5-1 with 17 seconds left as the Gladiators skated out of Maverik Center with a 5-1 win.

TJ Semptimphelter stopped 28/29 for his 8^e win of the season. Dylan Wells stopped 22/27 in the loss for Utah. The Gladiators won the special teams battle, going 1/3 on the power play and 4/4 on the penalty kill.

Isak Walther was named the first star of the match with three goals. TJ Semptimphelter was named the second star of the match, stopping 28/29 and allowing just one goal. Cody Sylvester was named the third star of the game with two assists.

The Gladiators and Grizzlies will face off for the last time ever on Saturday night at Maverik Center, with puck delivery at 9:10 PM EST. Coverage on the Gladiators Broadcast Network on FloHockey and YouTube begins at 8:50 EST.