ECHL: Greensboro Gargoyles Weekend Recap | 10/18-10/19/2025

The Gargoyles came out and tried to set the tone with some physicality. Big hits were all over the ice and emotions were running high as players from both teams wanted to start the season sending a message. Ultimately, the first period was scoreless, but the Gargoyles dominated the shot count, putting up 14 shots to the Icemen’s four shots.

In the second, Jacksonville opened the scoring when Nathan Dunkley put one past Hurricanes goaltending prospect Ruslan Khazheyev. Dunkley’s goal, however, ended up being the only goal scored for the next 30+ minutes of game time as nobody else scored in the second period.

The Gargoyles were able light the lamp for the first time in franchise history as David Gagnon put one past the Icemen with an extra attacker on the ice with only 1:39 remaining in regulation. The goal caused absolute pandemonium in the coliseum as fans finally got to celebrate the first home goal in Greensboro in over 20 years. Overtime itself, however, was less kind to the Gargoyles and their fans as the game winner for Jacksonville came only a few minutes later. Redmond Savage sent the Icemen back to the team hotel happy, beating Ruslan Khazheyev.

Game 1 Overview

Despite the loss, the Gargoyles remained dominant in the shot category, finishing with a 39-25 advantage. Khazheyev was phenomenal all night, only getting beaten on shots that he really had no chance at. Jacksonville did an excellent job at moving the puck and ultimately, that is what got them the win. Greensboro’s strong forecheck and sound defensive positioning were both on display in this one, and they will be looking to build on that in the coming games.

Game 2: Sunday, October 19

The opening of game 2 was fairly uneventful until the Gargoyles ended up on the penalty kill about five minutes into the game. Greensboro managed to kill off the penalty and even get some time in the attacking zone, showcasing their willingness to be aggressive no matter the situation. Defensively, Greensboro was sound, and Dalton Skelly made a possibly goal-saving play when he broke up a two-on-one attack by lying down to stop the pass. With 6:50 remaining in the first period, Jacksonville’s Brody Crane opened the scoring with a goal assisted by Taos Jordan. On Crane’s goal the Icemen did a great job screening Khazheyev as he had little opportunity to see the shot let alone react. The period ended with a 6-5 shot advantage for the Jacksonville Icemen.

Second Period

The second period started out with more fire than the first, with Ruslan Khazeyhev making a huge save off a defensive breakdown only a minute and change into the period. That trend would continue for the next several minutes as Greenboro had several defensive lapses, but Khazheyev stood tall and kept the score 1-0. Shortly after, Greensboro had a prime scoring opportunity, but the ping from the inside of the post rang out through the coliseum. For most of the period, Icemen goaltender Cameron Rowe put on an absolute clinic, making big save after big save.

About halfway through the period, physicality boiled over with a skirmish that led to multiple penalties being assessed and Greensboro coming out with a powerplay. In the skirmish, Icemen forward Brody Crane sprung a leak over his eye and made sure to use the penalty box glass as a towel to wipe off his hands. The Greensboro power play was cut short, however, when Wade Murphy got sent to the box less than 30 seconds into the man advantage. The Gargoyles penalty kill remained strong positionally and kept the scoring chances to a minimum and the puck to the perimeter. The Gargoyles were significantly more aggressive offensively this period as they took a 21-16 shots lead to the locker room.

Third Period

The third period saw the Gargoyles come out and attempt to get the game evened up, but that ended up leading to turnovers and more defensive lapses. For the most part Ruslan Khazheyev was up to the task, however Khazheyev would get beat twice this period by Bennett Macarthur. Both goals were ones that Khazheyev didn’t have much of a chance to save with a very notable goal coming in tic-tac-toe fashion from behind the net, to his glove side, and finally beating him blocker side on a tap in after a behind the back pass. The Gargoyles never stopped fighting though as they continued to put in effort up to the final whistle.

Game 2 Overview and Post Game Notes

The first period was the only time Icemen goaltender Cameron Rowe truly seemed shaky as he was truly dominant for most of the game finishing with a shutout. Greensboro at times seemed as though they wanted to set up the perfect pass and would give up shooting opportunities to do so. One note for Gargoyles fans would be that the team has looked incredibly strong and disciplined positionally when on the penalty kill, which is both a positive and a negative. Positively, it leads to a team that can be more aggressive. Negatively, it is less than ideal to spend too much time down a man.

“No. We just ran into two hot goalies. We had 2 on 1s we hit posts, we put up 30 plus shots again tonight, so they’re bound to go in.” Burt went on later to discuss how they plan to put an emphasis on finishing their chances as the team practices throughout the week.

Head Coach Scott Burt When asked after the game if Jacksonville was doing anything specific to prevent the Gargoyles from getting the offense going

Fans can expect the team to bounce back this coming Friday and Saturday against Reading. If I have learned anything from my interactions with Head Coach Scott Burt, it would be that he is sincere in what he says, and he will have his team ready to go on Friday; it will simply come down to execution. There have been flashes of a team that can be dominant, and if the Gargoyles can find that consistently, they will win a lot more games than they lose.