On July 10th the Atlanta Gladiators announced that Goalie Tyler Harmon and Forward Mitch Walinski have re-signed for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Both Harmon and Walinski made their professional debuts last season with the Glads at the tail end of the season.
Harmon arrived first to the team, making his debut on March 7th 2023 while the Glads were in the thick of the playoff battle. The 25-year-old New Jersey native made 10 appearances for Atlanta going 4-5-1-0, but playing much better than his record is indicative of. Harmon earned a shutout on April 2nd 2023 as the Gladiators took down the eventual Kelly Cup Champion Florida Everblades. Harmon is expected to split significant playing time with goaltender Joe Murdaca.
Walinski was signed to the Glads just one day after Harmon made his debut and made an impact right away. The 6’1″ Rhode Island native scored three goals in just 10 games with the club to go along with one assist. Where Walinski may lack size, he makes up for it with speed. With or without the puck, Walinski is always one of the fastest skaters on the ice. With the departure of some of the Gladiators from last years squad, Walinski will be asked to make a larger contribution this season. The first game of the 2023-24 season will take place at home against the in-state rival Savannah Ghost Pirates on October 21st.
