When the Atlanta Gladiators start the 2024-25 season, fans can look forward to seeing some familiar faces as forwards Ryan Cranford and Jackson Pierson make their return to the team. They are the latest additions to be signed for the upcoming season, joining Derek Topatigh and Eric Neiley.
After participating in all 72 games for Atlanta, Jackson Pierson stood out among the team’s forwards due to his impressive total of 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists). He led the team in total points, surpassing both forwards and defensemen on the Atlanta roster this season. Pierson was one of only two players for Atlanta who managed to play in every game, the other being Ryan Cranford (#27), who earned 26 points during the same period. Cranford scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists during his first season with Atlanta, third in overall points among the team’s forwards last season. Before joining the Gladiators, Cranford had a successful collegiate career, playing three seasons at Queen’s University, where he accumulated 37 points (22 goals, 15 assists) in 72 games.
Before turning professional, Pierson spent four seasons playing for the University of New Hampshire, where he accumulated 88 points (31 goals, 57 assists) in 115 games. In his final season as a Wildcat during 2021-22, Pierson held the role of alternate captain. He achieved a personal best in goals with 12 and was awarded the prestigious Len Ceglarski Individual Sportsmanship Award by the Hockey East Association. Following his senior year at New Hampshire, Pierson made the transition to the University of Notre Dame as a graduate student. During his 31 games with the Irish, Pierson contributed nine points (1 goal, 8 assists).
Pierson’s exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to the Atlanta Gladiators rightfully earned him the distinction of Alternate Captain towards the conclusion of the regular season.
The Gladiators will kick off the 2023-24 season at home against the Indy Fuel on Saturday, October 19th, at 7:00 p.m.
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