ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators’ Roster Changes | 01/29/2024

Matt Ustaski skating for the SPHL Quad City Storm
Photo: Nikos Frazier

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.


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Karen Zehner

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor | Credentialed Beat Writer covering the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators. Diving into the world of slap shots, penalty kills, and the game we love. [@RunwithK] on socials.

Leave a Reply

Charles Martin

AHL: Laval Rocket Sign Quebec Native

The Laval Rocket has announced that they signed 6’0″ defenseman Charles Martin from Blainville, Quebec for the 2025-26 season. Junior and Collegiate Career Charles Martin got his start in collegiate hockey with the Collège Lionel-Groulx Nordiques of the QCHL in the 2016-17 season. In 28 games with the Nordiques, Martin had one assist and 36 […]

Read More

ECHL: Cole Donhauser Returns to Worcester

The Worcester Railers have announced that they’ve re-signed forward Cole Donhauser for the 2025-26 season. In his first full season in the ECHL, Donhauser put up 10 goals and 19 assists for 29 points, along with 92PIMs in 71 games. Donhauser would lead all rookies in the shorthanded assists (3) and shorthanded points (5). The […]

Read More

AHL: Ryan Wheeler Signs AHL Deal with Utica Comets

The Utica Comets have signed defenseman Ryan Wheeler to an AHL two-way contract for the 2025-26 season. The Lancaster, NY, native played in 62 games with the Adirondack Thunder last season, putting up nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points. Wheeler would be named the Adirondack Thunder Unsung Hero Award for the 2024-25 season. […]

Read More