ECHL: 2024-25 Protected List | Atlanta Gladiators

The Atlanta Gladiators released their protected list for the upcoming season in coordination with the ECHL. The list for the Gladiators includes 25 players: 17 forwards, seven defensemen, and one goaltender. While this doesn’t guarantee their return, it gives Atlanta exclusive negotiating rights with each player as the offseason begins.

What are the rules of the Protected List?

ECHL teams can protect as many players as they choose for the 2024–25 season, as long as those players meet league eligibility. Teams can protect anyone who signed a Standard Player Contract (SPC) and hasn’t been traded or released. They can also retain the rights of players recalled to the NHL, AHL, or IIHF while under an SPC. Players who received a qualifying offer last summer but didn’t sign still fall under team control and remain eligible for protection. That also applies to players currently suspended, as well as those who signed an SPC mid-season and later earned a contract at the AHL or NHL level. Even players who filed retirement paperwork can be protected—so long as they weren’t traded or released. There’s no cap on how many players a team can include.

Who Made the List?

If you read our end-of-season review, many of these names will feel familiar. The Gladiators have clearly prioritized players who brought grit, consistency, and leadership. These are exactly the qualities we highlighted as essential building blocks moving forward.

Forwards:
Jackson Pierson, Joey Cipollone, Alex Young, Carson Denomie, Easton Armstrong, Ryan Cranford, Randy Hernández, Ryan Francis, Connor Galloway, Chase Gresock, Tyler Drevitch, Mickey Burns, Nick Wong, Cody Sylvester, Mitchell Fossier, Eric Neiley, Alex Whelan

Defensemen:
Brenden Datema, Derek Topatigh, Anthony Firriolo, Andrew Jarvis, Zach Yoder, Dylan Carabia, Aidan De La Gorgendiere

Goaltender:
Drew DeRidder

Now, let’s break it down further by position and revisit some of those standout performers.

Forwards: Youth, Grit, and Transition

Let’s start up front. The Gladiators protected a mix of veteran leaders, rising rookies, and gritty role players. Many of whom played key roles in the team’s emerging identity last season. From top scorers to energy-line staples, this forward group reflects both consistency and upside.

• Jackson Pierson suited up for all 72 games and finished with 37 points. Pierson provided steady production and strong two-way shifts from start to finish.
• Joey Cipollone delivered 15 goals and 34 points across 68 games, quietly becoming one of Atlanta’s most consistent offensive threats.
• Alex Young made a strong impression after joining the roster late in the season. He tallied eight points (4G, 4A) in just 11 games. His shot volume and offensive instincts stood out immediately. His presence on the protected list supports our projection of him as a strong addition to the roster.
• Carson Denomie became a fan favorite for good reason. Denomie racked up 29 points and three overtime winners while doing the dirty work—forechecking, blocking shots, and delivering when it mattered most. No surprise he earned our top “heart-and-hustle” forward nod.
• Easton Armstrong brought energy and physicality every night. Armstrong added 21 points over 51 games, all while delivering the kind of shift-by-shift effort coaches rely on in tough matchups.
• Ryan Cranford, Randy Hernández, and Ryan Francis held down key depth roles. Cranford notched 10 goals and 13 assists (23 points) in 70 games. Hernández added 20 points in 65 games while playing smart, disciplined two-way hockey. Francis, in a brief six-game stint with Atlanta, scored three goals and brought noticeable jump to the lineup.
• Connor Galloway, a Georgia native and rookie standout, showed growth all season long. We identified him early as one to watch—and his inclusion on the protected list shows the team sees his upside, too.
• Chase Gresock enters the mix as part of the final return from the trade that sent defenseman Jacob Graves to Toledo. After tallying 35 points with the Walleye, Gresock brings scoring potential and a strong north-south game.
• Tyler Drevitch, Mickey Burns, and Nick Wong round out the group with grit and determination. Drevitch added five points (3G, 2A) in 25 games while Burns recorded three points in 13 appearances and showed reliability. Wong chipped in three points (1G, 2A) in 13 games. All three brought consistent energy every time they took the ice.

Defense: Core Intact, Grit Preserved

Now let’s shift to the blue line. Atlanta’s defensive group mixed physicality, poise, and steady development. From top-pair producers to reliable depth pieces, these blueliners played a key role in holding the zone and setting the tone.

• Brenden Datema set the physical tone on the back end with 78 PIM in 48 games and chipped in seven points. He earned one our “heart-and-hustle” nods for his toughness, board battles, and willingness to stand up for teammates.
• Derek Topatigh led all Atlanta defensemen with 11 goals and 34 assists for 45 points across 71 games. He consistently pushed the pace, drove zone exits, and anchored the top pairing with dependable two-way play.
• Anthony Firriolo contributed 19 points (4G, 15A) in 51 games. He moved the puck with confidence, giving the Gladiators strong transition play and power-play support.
• Andrew Jarvis played in 59 games, logged 13 points, and brought reliability on the penalty kill and in defensive-zone starts. His presence gave the back end a sense of control.
• Zach Yoder added 7 assists in 54 games. A steady stay-at-home defenseman, Yoder continued to prove he’s a reliable option in key shifts and a respected Georgia-grown presence.
• Dylan Carabia logged 6 points in 58 games and quietly ate up minutes with smart positioning and a calm approach under pressure.

This group brought toughness when it mattered, moved pucks with purpose, and gave the Gladiators a core they can build around heading into next season.

Goaltending: A Vote of Confidence in DeRidder

Drew DeRidder posted a .904 save percentage in 37 appearances, showing he can handle a starter’s workload. Protecting him clearly signals that confidence by the Gladiators as they look toward next season.

Things to Note:

Ethan Haider is currently under contract with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) and is not on the protected list, but remains a potential reassignment option depending on Nashville’s goaltending depth.

Eric Neiley and Alex Whelan are both included on the protected list. Neiley, a franchise staple and fan favorite, announced his retirement following a 34-point season (13G, 21A in 45 games). Whelan also stepped away from playing, but Atlanta retains his rights during the formal retirement process. Both players brought veteran leadership and playoff-caliber habits. Each can be credited with shaping the team’s identity over the years.

Mitch Fossier was also protected for rights purposes but will not return for the upcoming season. He spent 2024–25 with the EIHL’s Nottingham Panthers, where he posted 52 points (16G, 36A) in 40 regular season games, plus 10 points in four playoff appearances. Fossier played a key role in the Panthers’ postseason run and scored the double-overtime game-winning goal in the EIHL Playoff Championship, sealing a thrilling 4–3 victory over the Cardiff Devils in April. His high-end vision, shot creation, and poise in transition were a major asset overseas and proved he could drive offense in any league.

Aidan De La Gorgendiere impressed with poised, physical play. Aidan De La Gorgendiere appeared in 10 games with Atlanta during the 2023–24 season, recording five points (1G, 4A). He returned to the University of Alberta for 2024–25, where he posted 34 points (7G, 27A) in 28 regular season games and six points in six playoff games with the Golden Bears.

What’s Next?

Two very important dates are coming up: Future Consideration trades must be finalized by June 20, and season-ending rosters are due by June 22.