The Atlanta Gladiators announced that defenseman Derek Topatigh will be rejoining the team for the upcoming 2024-25 season, donning the blue and gold once again after spending a season abroad.
Last year, Derek Topatigh announced his move overseas to join the Wipptal Broncos in the Alps Hockey League in Italy. During the 2023-24 regular season, Topatigh showcased his skills by accumulating 43 points (8 goals, 35 assists) in 40 games with the Broncos. In the playoffs, Topatigh contributed another eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) in 11 games.
Before his venture abroad, Topatigh had a standout first season with the Gladiator team, amassing 40 points (13 goals, 27 assists). His impressive performance carried over into the 2022-23 season, where he skated in 65 games and tallied 38 points (6 goals, 32 assists), earning him a well-deserved spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team that season.
Topatigh played for the Macon Mayhem (SPHL) in the 2020-21 season before making the move to the Gladiators roster. During his time with the Mayhem, he contributed three goals and five assists, totaling eight points across 23 games. He also had a stint with the Wheeling Nailers in the same season. Before turning professional, Topatigh made his mark at the collegiate level, where he accumulated an impressive 43 points with 15 goals and 28 assists for Princeton University. He also served as the team captain during his final season with Princeton.
The Gladiators are set to kick off their season at home against the Indy Fuel on Saturday, October 19th.
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