The Atlanta Gladiators made the announcement today regarding their recent signing of forward, Matt Ustaski, to an ECHL contract. Hailing from Glenview, Illinois, the 6′ 6″ forward attended the University of Wisconsin before being selected as the 7th-round draft pick of the Winnipeg Jets in 2014. Ustaski has been a part of five different ECHL teams over the last seven years, including Jacksonville Icemen, Norfolk Admirals, Wheeling Nailers, Idaho Steelheads, and the Rapid City Rush.
Last season, in a game vs. the Vermilion County Bobcats (1/24/2023), Ustaski earned a hat trick in a game and scored a total of four goals (a franchise record for most goals at that time), all in a game that set five different records for the Storm that season. During this season, the Quad City Storm’s left-shot forward has been quite an asset. He has earned a remarkable 40 points, comprising 21 goals and 19 assists, in only 26 games played. This past December, he set the Quad City Storm franchise’s record for longest individual point streak at 11. Currently, he is ranked second in total points earned in the SPHL, with a +/- rating of +8. His average of 1.54 points per game with the Storm positions him at the 6th spot in the SPHL overall.
The Gladiators will take on the Orlando Solar Bears in Orlando, FL again this evening with the puck dropping at 7 PM.
