Ryan Francis Re-Signs With Gladiators

The Atlanta Gladiators announced that forward Ryan Francis has re-signed with the club for the 2025-26 season.

The 23-year-old right-shot forward re-signs with the Gladiators after scoring three goals in six games with the team last season. He was acquired in a trade with the Adirondack Thunder in March of 2025.

Between the Thunder and the Gladiators, Francis scored 19 points (13-6-19) in 36 games during the 2024-25 campaign.

The native of Halifax, NS, was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 5th round (143rd overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Entering his fourth season of professional hockey, Francis has experience playing in the AHL and ECHL. In 27 career AHL games, Francis has recorded a goal and two assists; having spent time with the Stockton Heat, Laval Rocket, and Ontario Reign.

The 5-foot-9, 185-pound forward has scored 45 goals and 42 assists for 87 points in 124 career ECHL games between the Trois-Rivieres Lions, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Adirondack Thunder, and the Gladiators.

"Ryan is a very dynamic offensive player,” Gladiators Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach, Matt Ginn stated. “He is an elusive skater that wants to have the puck on his stick and be a difference maker on the ice. He had a tough season last year with various injuries, but we are really excited to have Ryan back in Atlanta and expect him to be a big part of our team."

Francis joins Andrew Jarvis, Ryan Nolan, Connor Galloway, Isak Walther, Brenden Datema, Peter Morgan, Ryley Appelt, Alex Young, Jack Robilotti, Mickey Burns, and Joey Cipollone as players who have signed with the Gladiators for the 2025-26 season.