The ECHL has revealed the opening roster for the Atlanta Gladiators for the 2024-25 season, which will debut on October 19th against the Indy Fuel. Each ECHL team is allowed a maximum of 20 players on the active roster, with no more than 18 skaters at any time. In the first 30 days of the regular season, teams can maintain an active roster of up to 21 players, with a limit of 19 skaters. Additionally, teams may keep up to two players on the Reserve List, while an unlimited number of players can be placed on the 14-day Injured Reserve, and one player can be assigned to the 3-day Injured Reserve.
Here is the list of players from the Atlanta Gladiators:
- Drew DeRidder, G
- Ethan Haider, G
- Derek Topatigh, D
- Andrew Jarvis, D
- Christian Hausinger, D
- Brenden Datema, D
- Chad Nychuk, D
- Jeremy Hanzel, D
- Michael Marchesan, F
- Josh Boyer, F
- Ryan Cranford, F
- Eric Neiley, F
- Jackson Pierson, F
- Connor Galloway, F
- P.J. Fletcher, F
- Carson Denomie, F
- Tyler Drevitch, F
- Easton Armstrong, F
- Cody Sylvester, F
- Blake Murray, F
- Filip Forsmark, F
Reserve – Dylan Carabia, D; Zach Yoder, D
The roster features two players who have recently joined the team. Defenseman Jeremy Hanzel has been transferred to the club from the Milwaukee Admirals by the Nashville Predators, while goaltender Ethan Haider has also been assigned to Atlanta from Milwaukee.
Jeremy Hanzel, born on February 27, 2003, in Coquitlam, BC, Canada, is an emerging young defenseman standing at 6’1″ and weighing 196 lbs. He is recognized for his clever puck handling and knack for making quick, strategic decisions under pressure. Selected in the 6th round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, he was later traded to the Nashville Predators. During the 2023-24 season, Hanzel has consistently delivered strong performances, contributing significantly on both offensive and defensive fronts, establishing himself as a valuable player for his team. Hanzel had an impressive run with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL. He played 61 games, scoring 14 goals and providing 38 assists, totaling 52 points. This performance made him the leading scorer among defensemen on his team and showcased his offensive capabilities. His ability to deceive with fakes on passes and shots, paired with his solid defensive capabilities, makes him a versatile asset on the ice.
Ethan Haider was born on September 4, 2001, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Considered is a talented goaltender, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 190 lbs., he is known for his impressive size and agility in the net. Haider had a notable collegiate career at the University of Connecticut. During his time with the Huskies, he played 21 games in the 2023-24 season, achieving a record of 7-11-2. He maintained a goals against average (GAA) of 2.91 and a save percentage of .906. His performance included several standout games, such as a 42-save effort against the University of Massachusetts.
While playing for the Minnesota Magicians in the NAHL, Ethan Haider demonstrated his potential with an impressive GAA of 2.35 and a save percentage of .926 during the 2018-19 season. Throughout his time at Clarkson University and the University of Connecticut, Haider consistently achieved impressive statistics, featuring a goals against average (GAA) below 3.00 each season at Clarkson. His capability to uphold a strong GAA and save percentage highlights his dependability, which garnered the goalie attention and facilitated his move to the USHL.
In the USHL, Haider represented the Sioux City Musketeers in the 2019-20 season, where he recorded a GAA of 3.32 and a save percentage of .891. Although he faced challenges in this highly competitive league, his experience in the USHL was vital for his growth, equipping him for both his collegiate and professional endeavors. Selected by the Nashville Predators in the fifth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Haider has undoubtedly demonstrated potential. His journey across various leagues, including the USHL and NAHL, has been instrumental in shaping him into a dependable goaltender. His knack for maintaining composure under pressure is expected to be a valuable asset for the Gladiators.
Also announced were the release of Josh Boyko, Matt Clark, Alex Cohen, Bradley Jenion, Brett Mecrones, Colby Muise, and Mitch Walinski.
