Derek Nesbitt

ECHL: Special Olympics Skating Camp Brings Smiles

CUMMING, Ga. — On Sunday morning, the ice at The Ice in Cumming came alive with laughter, smiles, and a sense of community that stretched far beyond the boards. The Special Olympics skating camp, led by 16-year-old Deerfield Academy student and lifelong hockey player Grey Altemeyer, showcased months of planning, preparation, and passion. What unfolded […]

ECHL: Atlanta, Lace Up for Special Olympics Skating Camp This Weekend

One thing is true about the hockey community — they show up to help others and to share their love of the sport. That spirit, along with guidance from longtime Atlanta Gladiator Derek Nesbitt and support from the Gladiators organization, is at the heart of a new Special Olympics skating camp in Cumming, Georgia. Presented […]

Booster Clubs: The Unsung Heroes Of Minor League Hockey

Fans play a major role in the lower levels of professional hockey—especially in the ECHL and SPHL. One of the best examples of that passion is the annual “Jamboree,” where Booster Clubs from both leagues come together to connect and celebrate. In 2025, the Atlanta Gladiators Booster Club hosted the event at The Westin Atlanta/Duluth, […]

ECHL: Derek Nesbitt Promoted to Front Office Role By Gladiators

The Atlanta Gladiators have announced a leadership shift, promoting Head Coach Derek Nesbitt to Director of Community Engagement. The move brings one of the franchise’s most iconic figures into a new role focused on strengthening community ties and expanding the organization’s presence off the ice. Leadership Shift for a Franchise Icon Derek Nesbitt’s impact on […]

ECHL: Blake Murray Named Player of the Week (December 9-15)

Blake Murray of the Atlanta Gladiators has been named the Inglasco ECHL Player of the Week for December 9-15. This marks the second time in his career that he has received this honor. Previously, he was recognized for his performance last season while playing for the Allen Americans, where he scored four goals and added […]

ECHL: Inserting My Foot In My Mouth While The Atlanta Gladiators Get Off To A Hot Start

I really enjoy being right when it comes to sports, and I especially like when my sports predictions come to fruition. I also can recognize when I may have been slightly off on a prediction or two. Boy, am I off to a bad start with my Atlanta Gladiators prognosis for the 2023-24 season. I […]

ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators Review: Off and Running

The Atlanta Gladiators kicked off the 2023-24 season at Gas South Arena in front of 6440 fans against their in-state rivals, the Savannah Ghost Pirates. There were some of the same faces from last year that will be familiar to Gladiator fans like Cody Sylvester, Tyler Harmon, and Zach Yoder, but the new faces were […]

ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators Training Camp News and Notes

The Atlanta Gladiators’ 2023 training camp roster featured 19 total players, consisting of six defensemen, 11 forwards, and two goaltenders. With nearly an entirely new roster and the return of a few fan favorites, the team has not wasted any time getting things solidified for the start of the regular season. It would be a […]

ECHL: 2023-24 Atlanta Gladiators: A Whole New Team

As a lifelong hockey fan who recently moved to Georgia from Michigan, you can imagine how excited I was when I found out there was a local professional hockey team in my area! The 2022-23 Atlanta Gladiators rekindled my love of the game, and I quickly jumped on the bandwagon and emersed myself in all […]

ECHL Breaking News: Atlanta Gladiators Join with Nashville Predators, Name Derek Nesbitt Head Coach

The Atlanta Gladiators announced that they had a new deal in place to be the ECHL affiliate for the Nashville Predators starting with the 2023-24 season. The Gladiators will also be the affiliate for the Milwaukee Admirals, who lost in the Western Conference Finals of the Turner Cup playoffs. This ends a one-year partnership with […]