The Atlanta Gladiators have added to their lineup for the upcoming season by signing defenseman Joshua Boyer and forward Brenden Datema, as officially announced by the team today.
Boyer participated in several junior and college hockey leagues in the early stages of his career. Originating from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA, Boyer played in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Brookings Blizzard and the United States Hockey League (USHL) with the Lincoln Stars during his junior career.
Transitioning to college, Boyer enrolled at St. Lawrence University, where he participated in NCAA Division I hockey. Renowned for his strong work ethic and well-rounded style of play, Boyer further developed his abilities as a reliable forward during his time at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, scoring five points (3g-2a) in 36 games. Transitioning to St. Lawrence University, Boyer completed his collegiate career there, accumulating 24 points (11g-13a) across 105 games. Boyer became known for his versatility on the ice and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Boyer would later become part of the Gladiators team in March of 2024, participating in eight games and achieving two points with one goal and one assist. His debut professional goal was scored during a thrilling 4-3 victory against the Icemen in Jacksonville in April.
Brenden Datema, who hails from Sterling Heights, Michigan, played for the Amarillo Bulls in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). During his second season in the league in 2018-19, Datema excelled in scoring among defensemen in the NAHL, achieving 60 points (21g, 39a) in 58 games. Additionally, he accumulated five more points (2g, 3a) in 13 playoff matches.
Datema also joined the Gladiators this past March after scoring nine points (1 goal, 8 assists) in 35 games at Canisius College. In the 2022-23 season, he played in 30 games for Canisius, accumulating ten points after tallying one goal and nine assists. Before his time with the Golden Griffins, Datema played in 35 games with Michigan Tech, contributing four points (1g, 3a).
Datema is renowned for his robust defensive skills and acknowledged for his capability to provide offensive support when necessary, frequently leveraging his size and strength. He participated in 12 games with the Gladiators for the 2023-24 season and secured two assists.
Boyer and Datema, along with Dylan Carabia, Ryan Cranford, Eric Neiley, Michael Marchesan, Jackson Pierson, Tyler Drevitch, Blake Murray, Derek Topatigh, and Drew DeRidder, are set to kickstart the 2024-25 season at Gas South Arena on October 19th against the Indy Fuel.
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