ECHL: Atlanta Builds Grit and Speed with First Six Signings

The Atlanta Gladiators aren’t wasting time this offseason. With six roster additions already announced, fans are getting an early glimpse of the team’s identity—gritty, fast, and defensively sound. Here’s what you may learn and could expect from the first wave of roster moves:

First Six Snapshot

Andrew Jarvis (D) – The Grit

Jarvis re-signed after a breakout 2024–25 campaign where he doubled his career offensive totals, finishing with six goals and 13 points in 59 games. Known for his willingness to block shots and his fearless play, Jarvis brings a quiet intensity that sets the tone on the back end. At 5’9”, he plays bigger than his frame and thrives in the corners and net-front battles. He clears the crease with authority and takes pride in being defensively sound. His return gives Atlanta both continuity and a no-nonsense identity on the blue line.

Ryan Nolan (F) – The Grinder with Hands

Nolan joins Atlanta after lighting up the SPHL with 38 points in 38 games and earning a stint with the Adirondack Thunder. He’s not just a scorer—he plays a physical, straight-line game, finishes checks, and doesn’t shy away from greasy areas. What separates him from other grinders is his ability to capitalize on second chances and work the cycle with efficiency. His college numbers didn’t reflect his current upside, but Nolan’s work ethic and growing confidence suggest he’s ready to earn his minutes at the ECHL level. He’ll compete for a middle-six role and could become a glue guy in tight matchups.

Connor Galloway (F) – The Hometown Heart

Galloway made his professional debut last season and quickly won fans over with his speed, effort, and authenticity. A Georgia native, he embodies the “play for the crest” mentality and brings an infectious energy every time he hits the ice. Though he tallied just three goals and six points in 31 games, his forecheck, backcheck, and straight-line speed earned him regular ice time late in the season. Now with a full offseason behind him, Galloway has the chance to develop into a reliable depth winger who sets the tone on the first shift of every period.

Isak Walther (F) – The X-Factor

At 6’4″, Walther enters his rookie season with pro-ready size and a four-year NCAA resume from the University of Vermont. Drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2019, he’s grown into a more physical and complete player, using his frame effectively along the walls and in front of the net. He recorded 17 points in 33 games during his senior season and showed a knack for winning battles in tight spaces. Walther protects the puck well, has a deceptive shot, and displays a high hockey IQ. If he establishes team chemistry early, he could land a top-six role and provide the offensive striking ability Atlanta needs.

Brenden Datema (D) – The Hammer

Towering presence with a cannon from the point. Datema re-signed following a season of steady growth and increased responsibility. Standing 6’5” with a heavy right-handed shot, he played 46 games in 2024–25 and netted his first two professional goals, including a game-winner. Datema plays with a physical edge, boxes out effectively, and shows his offensive instinct when jumping into the rush. His booming shot makes him a potential second-unit power-play option. With another year under his belt, Datema looks ready to take on tougher assignments, see some additional ice time, and add more bite to Atlanta’s blue line.

Peter Morgan (F) – The Underdog Playmaker

Morgan is the kind of quiet signing that could pay big dividends. The 25-year-old forward from Sarasota, Florida, played NCAA Division III hockey at SUNY-Geneseo, where he produced 32 points (12G, 20A) in 28 games as a senior and helped power the team to a SUNYAC title. Though he may go under the radar for fans, Morgan has a high compete level and a knack for making smart plays in transition. He reads the ice well, anticipates puck movement, and isn’t afraid to crash the net. While it remains to be seen how his skill set will translate to the pros, his playmaking vision and work ethic give him an outside shot at carving out a role in Atlanta’s bottom six—or becoming this year’s surprise standout.

Where Things Stand

FORWARDS

Right now, the Gladiators have four forwards on the roster—Connor Galloway, Ryan Nolan, Isak Walther, and Peter Morgan. Galloway looks like a strong candidate for a top-six role thanks to his speed, tenacity, and year-over-year growth. Nolan brings grit and scoring upside, likely slotting into the middle six. Walther, a right-shot rookie, has the size and puck skills to be a real difference-maker. Morgan, with his D-III scoring touch and vision, will be one to watch in camp as he looks to prove he belongs.

That said, Atlanta still needs to add at least one proven top-line forward. This will likely be a scorer or playmaker who can lead the offense. A veteran presence up front would also help anchor the room and mentor the younger core. A dependable center with faceoff and penalty-kill ability would add versatility and depth.

DEFENSE

With Brenden Datema and Andrew Jarvis re-signed, Atlanta brings back two key pieces of its blue line—each with a distinct style that complements the team’s identity. Datema offers size, physicality, and a steadily developing offensive game. He isn’t afraid to throw his weight around, step into shooting lanes, or jump up in the play with a booming shot from the point. Meanwhile, Jarvis brings a more compact but equally fearless approach. He excels in puck battles, blocks shots without hesitation, and clears the crease with intensity. His hockey IQ and positioning make him a reliable presence in high-pressure situations.

What both players will benefit from most this season is consistent defensive partners—teammates who are poised under pressure, responsible in their own zone, and able to transition quickly. Atlanta is likely to pursue one or two additional defensemen who can stabilize pairings, retrieve pucks efficiently, and contribute on special teams. Whether it’s a veteran addition or a rising young defender, these new pieces will help round out a blue line that already has some bite behind it.

We would also expect both to step up more in a leadership capacity for the newer players making the roster—helping to set the tone on and off the ice as the team establishes its identity early.

IN THE NET

As of now, the net is wide open. No goaltenders have been signed yet for 2025–26, though Drew DeRidder remains a possible return option. Atlanta will need to bring in a reliable starter or a strong 1A/1B tandem. Expect them to target someone with ECHL experience or ties to an AHL organization. Or look to someone who can hold the team in games and steal a few when it counts.

Building the Blueprint

The Atlanta Gladiators announced that all player signings will be revealed live exclusively via YouTube on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule throughout the offseason.

Fans can tune in every Tuesday and Thursday night (unless otherwise noted) as new and returning players are introduced on the team’s YouTube channel. During each signing video, fans and staff often jump into the live chat to ask questions, with players answering in real time. These midweek videos have quickly become a fun and interactive part of the offseason, giving fans a unique first look at the personalities behind the jerseys—and building excitement as the 2025–26 roster takes shape.