The Gladiators were one of the first teams to opt-out of the 2020-2021 ECHL season due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They lost their NHL affiliation with the Boston Bruins who chose an affiliate much closer to home in the Maine Mariners. The Ottawa Senators were also a team that lost their ECHL affiliate when the Brampton Beast franchise folded. With Brampton folding back in February, the Sens were on the hunt for a new ECHL affiliate, and they found one in the Atlanta Gladiators.
In a press release from the Senators, “We’re pleased to partner with the Gladiators and to have Atlanta serve as our ECHL affiliate next season,” said Senators GM Pierre Dorion. The Gladiators will be the new home for players that are under contract with the team but need more development than the AHL.
Former GM of the Brampton Beast, Cary Kaplan has stated in the past that he was pleased with the Senators organization. He has said that the Senators offered a “stronger relationship” than other teams they have worked with in the past.
Although the announcement is sudden, it doesn’t look like it will change much of how the Gladiators will operate this season. The colours, team name, and players will all be the same. The only difference this year, as opposed to last season, is that hockey will return to the capital of Georgia.
Featured Image By: Gas South District