On Wednesday July 8th, the Atlanta Gladiators confirmed the signings of two rookie skaters, forward Jack Suter and defensemen Grant Frederic. Both players sign after spending four years in the NCAA, bringing tons of potential to the Infinite Energy Arena.
After spending two seasons in the USHL with the Sioux Falls Stampede, 25-year-old Suter played college hockey for the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, appearing in 124 games. During his senior year, the Nebraska native racked up 20 points (4G, 16A) in 33 games, wrapping-up a successful college career. Glads head coach Jeff Pyle told the team’s website that Suter is, “a smart, two-way player that is an extremely hard worker.”
Defenseman Grant Frederic also spent two seasons in the USHL before his NCAA career began, representing the Green Bay Gamblers before enrolling at Miami (Ohio) University. Coach Pyle described the Missouri blue liner as “big, hard-to-play-against, stay-at-home defensemen.” Frederic played junior hockey with fellow Glads signee Zach Yoder, so we could see the two youngsters paired up in the future.
Both signings show the Glads intent to add energy and potential to the squad for next season. The two rookies should be a good fit for Coach Pyle’s physical, hard-working style, bringing fresh enthusiasm to the ranks of the Gladiators.