ECHL: Atlanta Locks In Alex Young to Drive Offense

The Atlanta Gladiators have re-signed forward Alex Young for the 2025–26 season, keeping a key offensive contributor who made an instant impact after joining the team late last year. The 24-year-old Calgary, Alberta, native stands 6’0”, weighs 179 pounds, and brings a versatile scoring touch to both center and wing.

Strong Finish in Atlanta

Acquired from the Adirondack Thunder near the trade deadline, Young wasted no time making an impression. In just 11 games with the Gladiators, he posted eight points (4G, 4A) and added valuable depth to the forward group during the final stretch of the 2024–25 season.

In the Inside The Rink end-of-season review, Young was recognized as one of Atlanta’s Top 3 Forwards after joining in March:

“Alex Young proved to be an efficient offensive contributor after joining the Gladiators in March. In 11 games with Atlanta, he registered four goals, four assists (8 points). His time with the Atlanta Gladiators was valuable, as he added important depth to the forward group. Young showcased his offensive abilities and consistently stepped up when needed, providing a solid spark to the team’s attack” (Zehner, 2025).

That production was fueled by his willingness to shoot, but shoot with purpose. Young led all Gladiators forwards in shots per game after the trade, recording 34 shots in 11 games for a 3.09 average. Even when combining his Adirondack numbers, his 2.65 shots-per-game average ranked second on the team behind only Cody Sylvester.

Gladiators Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Matt Ginn praised Young’s game:

“Alex was a player that we liked throughout last season, and we were fortunate enough to bring him to Atlanta through a trade. He is a big body that skates well and has a good touch around the net. He gets to the hard areas and uses his frame effectively,” Ginn said. “We expect Alex to be a big part of our group next season and are thrilled to bring him back” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2025).

Embracing Atlanta

Speaking on the Gladiators’ YouTube Signing Show, Young said he’s most excited to experience his first full season in Atlanta.

“Just getting kind of a full taste of the fans, the team, the area, the city, the arena—just the whole atmosphere,” Young said. “I was only there for about three weeks… so I’m really looking forward to a whole feel for the area and the team” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2024).

Young credited the warm welcome from coaches, teammates, and fans as a major factor in his decision to return.

“It was a really positive experience. I fit in well with the team… I’m looking forward to playing with the guys again and experiencing the rink for a full season.”

Path Through the NCAA and ECHL

Before turning pro, Young had a standout collegiate career split between Colgate University and Arizona State University. His time at Colgate included a 39-point junior season (21G, 18A) in 2022–23 and an ECAC Championship. He closed his NCAA career with a year at Arizona State, then signed with Adirondack, where he posted 24 points (9G, 15A) in 43 games before being traded to Atlanta.

Junior Dominance in the AJHL

Young’s offensive ability was on full display during his junior career with the Canmore Eagles in the AJHL. He recorded back-to-back 70+ point seasons, highlighted by 82 points (36G, 46A) in 2019–20 while serving as an alternate captain.

NHL Draft Pick with Offensive Upside

A seventh-round pick (196th overall) of the San Jose Sharks in 2020, Young has maintained a reputation as a smart, creative forward who can adapt to multiple roles in the lineup. He recalls the moment he found out he’d been drafted during a practice at Colgate University:

“We were practicing while I got drafted, and my teammates were all celebrating with me,” Young said. “It was a really awesome experience for them to kind of break the news to me… and then just being able to go down to the Sharks camp every summer, learn from their coaches, and compete against their other top prospects was something I’ll take forward with me for the rest of my life” (Atlanta Gladiators, 2024).

Looking Ahead

The Gladiators will be counting on Young’s offensive spark as they aim to start the season strong. His ability to contribute on both special teams and at even strength makes him a versatile weapon for Atlanta’s forward group. Fans can catch Young and the Gladiators on opening weekend, October 18–19, against the Utah Grizzlies at Gas South Arena.

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