The Atlanta Gladiators are adding international experience and offensive depth with the signing of Louis Boudon for the 2025–26 season.
The 26-year-old forward from Grenoble, France, spent last season between North America and Europe, producing in both leagues. With the Iowa Heartlanders in 2023–24, Boudon recorded 46 points (18g–28a) in 54 games, quickly establishing himself as one of their most reliable scorers. That performance earned him a call-up to the Iowa Wild (AHL), where he tallied a goal in 10 games.
He then shifted overseas to skate with Nybro Vikings IF in Sweden’s HockeyAllsvenskan, where he added 21 points (9g–12a) in 47 games while facing seasoned European pros. Boudon has also seen AHL action with the Laval Rocket and short stints with Iowa in 2022–23, showing he can adapt his game to higher levels.
Asked about the opportunity in Atlanta, Boudon didn’t hesitate:
“I’m pumped. I’m pumped. We heard a lot of good things. I know a bunch of guys that have played there in the past. I heard that the city is great, the organization is really good too, so I think it’s going to be a great opportunity for me and my wife too to come down. And I know the South Division is a really good division in the East Coast, so I’m excited to play in the division and try to perform the best we can” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2025b).
That drive to perform has been a consistent theme in his career. Reflecting on his breakout season with Iowa, he explained:
“That was my first pro year after college… I was just playing kind of free and just trying to do the best I can to help the team day in, day out. I had a little more experience now, especially with the national team and playing in Europe last year. So definitely going to try to bring that experience and kind of that offensive skill… and [a] two-way forward style of play” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2025b).
Boudon isn’t just thinking about the past either—he’s eyeing the future. “I haven’t made the [Olympic] team yet, so I don’t want to overstep any boundaries or anything like that, but it would definitely be a great honor… you get to play against the top teams… something you’re going to be able to cherish for the rest of your life” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2025b).
College Leadership and International Play
Before his pro career, Boudon spent four seasons at Lake Superior State University, where he wore the captain’s “C” in his final two years. His best campaign came in 2021–22, when he piled up 44 points (15g–29a) in 36 games, one of the top totals in the CCHA. He finished his NCAA career with 114 points (39g–75a) in 139 games and a 2021 WCHA Championship.
On the international stage, Boudon has represented Team France at three senior World Championships. Most recently, he contributed three assists in seven games at the 2024 tournament. In total, he has logged 34 senior international games, experience that adds another layer of maturity to his game.
Wearing the national crest matters to him:
“It’s a big honor… you represent your country… you play against great players… you learn a lot from it at the same time” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2025b). He also looked ahead with humility: “I haven’t made the [Olympic] team yet… but it would definitely be a great honor… you get to play against the top teams… something you’re going to be able to cherish for the rest of your life” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2025b).
What He Brings to Atlanta
Gladiators Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Matt Ginn said Boudon’s complete game stood out.
“What stuck out to me when I watched Louis, was just how much of a 200 ft game he plays. He’s a very high end and smart offensive centerman that is responsible away from the puck as well. Louis has experience both in the AHL and representing his country at the international level. We look forward to Louis coming in and making an immediate impact on both sides of the puck. We’re excited to add Louis to our group” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2025a).
Boudon knows what it takes to adapt. After years in North America, he admitted the transition back to the European game wasn’t easy:
“Moving back to Sweden, you have the big sheet, it was a lot more skating. You have more room, but at the same time it doesn’t feel like you have more room. It definitely took me a while to adjust… last year wasn’t the best year, but I still learned a lot of things and I want to bring that in” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2025b).
That balance of skill and resilience is exactly what Atlanta will count on this fall.
At 5’11”, 190 lbs, he brings a reliable two-way presence, a left-handed shot, and the leadership that comes from captaining at the NCAA level and representing France internationally. For a Gladiators team determined to climb the South Division standings, Boudon looks like a perfect fit. Fans won’t have long to wait either—Atlanta opens the season at home on October 18 against the Utah Grizzlies, where Boudon will make his Gladiators debut.
Atlanta Gladiators. (2025a, September 3). Atlanta signs forward Louis Boudon [Press release].
Atlanta Gladiators. (2025b, September 3). Player Signing Show: Louis Boudon [Video]. YouTube.
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