2017-18 Opponent Preview: The Atlanta Gladiators
For Immediate Release: September 18, 2017
Atlanta Gladiators Preview
The Cincinnati Cyclones will welcome in 14 different opponents to U.S. Bank Arena this season and we are going to take a closer look at each one. Up next in our preview series are the Atlanta Gladiators- ECHL affiliate of the Providence Bruins (AHL) and the Boston Bruins (NHL). The Gladiators will be making their lone trip to the Queen City late in the season, in the second-to-last home stand for the Cyclones.
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2017-18 Schedule vs. Cincinnati:
Home: None
Away: 3/22, 3/23
Last Season:
2016-17 Regular Season Record: 27-37-6-2, 62 Points- sixth in the South Division
2016-17 Leading Scorers:
Justin Buzzeo – 17g-39a-56p, 55GP
Derek Nesbit – 27g-25a-52p, 72GP
Alex Gacek – 26g-26a-52p, 61GP
The Gladiators finished in sixth place in the ECHL’s South Division, 20 points back of the fourth and final divisional playoff spot. Despite the struggles, the Glads were tied for 11th in the ECHL with 2.25 goals per game and 12th with 32.74 shots per game. Individually, forward Alex Gacek was tied for seventh in League rookie scoring with 52 points (26g, 26a) in 61 games, while rookie defenseman Josh Atkinson ranked 10th in League rookie scoring and seventh in League defenseman scoring with 10 goals and 40 assists in 66 games.
The offseason saw a couple of personnel changes for the Gladiators, as former Cyclones bench boss and two-time Kelly Cup winner Chuck Weber was named the team’s head coach and general manager in August. He replaced Andy Brandt who accepted a coaching role at St. Norbert college. Atlanta also named Scott Henrichsen as new team president.
History:
The Gladiators are entering their 15th season as members of the ECHL, having entered the League prior to the 2003-04 season. Formerly known as the Gwinnett Gladiators, Atlanta started off their ECHL tenure strong, qualifying for the Kelly Cup Playoffs in each of their first six years, however have only been twice in the last eight. Their last playoff appearance resulted in a 4 games to 2 loss against the Cyclones in the 2013 semifinals, after winning the third of their three South Division championships (2005-06, 2011-12, 2012-13).
The Atlanta market is no stranger to hockey, having housed a pair of NHL teams; the Flames from 1972-80, and the Thrashers from 1999-2011. Atlanta has also been home to the Knights of the International Hockey League (IHL) from 1992-96.
Arena:
The Gladiators play their home games at the Infinite Energy Arena; a 13,000-seat, multi-purpose venue that is located just out side of Atlanta. In addition to the Gladiators, Infinite Energy Arena plays host the National Lacross League (NLL) Georgia Swarm, as well as numerous shows, nationally and internationally-renowned concerts, athletic events, and more.
The march towards 2017 First Face-Off is ON! The Cincinnati Cyclones return to U.S. Bank Arena on Saturday, October 14, when they take on the Kalamazoo Wings. In the meantime, we invite you to stay tuned in the coming weeks for information on tickets and promotions for the 2017-18 season, great offseason events like Concrete Clones, player signings, and MORE! Call (513) 421-PUCK for information regarding Cyclones Season and Group Tickets, and you can also get the latest team updates on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, www.cycloneshockey.com!
