Atlanta is retaining two of their forwards from last season.
Atlanta Gladiators fans will see two familiar faces returning for the 2024-25 season, as the club announced the re-signing of forwards Carson Denomie and Mitch Walinski.
The 24-year-old Denomie was acquired by the Gladiators in March 2023 as part of a trade that sent then-captain Jacob Graves to the Toledo Walleye. In 12 games after joining, he tallied three goals and three assists, capping off the regular season finale with a hat trick.
"I'm thrilled to be back with the Glads," Denomie said after his signing was announced. "I'm excited to see the boys again, and get the season going soon."
The left-shooting forward from Regina, Saskatchewan first broke into the ECHL with the Tulsa Oilers in 2021-22. He had his best statistical season to date, scoring 37 points (13-24-37) in 63 games.
Prior to his stint with the Oilers, Denomie played four seasons in the WHL. In 222 games split between the Kamloops Blazers, Moose Jaw Warriors and his hometown Regina Pats, Denomie registered 109 points (49-60-109).
According to Gladiators head coach Derek Nesbitt, Denomie has put in a lot of work over the offseason.
"I know he didn't get the ice time he wanted in Toledo and came to us squeezing the stick a little, but got more opportunities as the year went along," Nesbitt said. "He had a really nice finish to the season, and I know he wants to carry that momentum into the next one."
The 25-year-old Walinski is entering his third professional season, all with Atlanta. In 49 games, he has posted 15 points (10-5-15).
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Lincoln, Rhode Island native played his collegiate hockey at Salve Regina University collecting 65 points (37-28-65) over 61 games. During his first season with the Seahawks, he played alongside current Gladiator Dylan Carabia.
"I can't wait to get back to the great atmosphere at Gas South Arena, with Glads nation!" Walinski said.
Walinski also spent parts of three seasons in the NAHL with the Minnesota Wilderness, Bismarck Bobcats and Corpus Christi IceRays. In 114 games between the three clubs, he put up 70 points (43-27-70).
Nesbitt likes Walinski's shot and skating ability, and would like him to find more ways to get into spots that will best utilize his talents.
"This is a step that Wally wants to take, and one we'd love to see," Nesbitt said.