Navin Returns, Brooks Signs

Forwards Brad Navin and Kenny Brooks have agreed to terms for the upcoming season, the Atlanta Gladiators announced on Wednesday.

Navin, 24, returns to the Gladiators after spending the 2015-16 season with the team, appearing in 47 games with Atlanta. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound forward joined the organization after a successful four-year collegiate career with the NCAA’s University of Wisconsin. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the seventh round, 197th overall, in the 2011 NHL entry draft, the Waupaca, WI native served as Team Captain during his senior season with the Badgers.

On the decision to return to the Gladiators, Navin said, "Brando [Head Coach Andy Brandt] is a great ’players coach.’ He knows the game inside and out, and I learned a lot from him all season long. I’m looking forward to coming back feeling more confident as a 2nd year player and contributing to the team’s success."

Kenny Brooks comes to the Gladiators from the Penn State Nittany Lions hockey program. The Las Vegas, NV native registered career highs during his senior season in 15-16, notching eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points in 38 games played. The 6-foot-1 forward amassed 14 goals and 34 assists for 48 total points in 120 games as a Nittany Lion.

"Kenny was on our radar last year as someone who had a big senior season," said Brandt. "He’s described as a strong power forward that gets up and down the wing and can skate well with a good shot. If given the opportunity, he can put up some points, and you saw that in his senior season at Penn State.

"He shoots the puck well, he plays a heavy game, he’s physical and he finishes his hits. We look for Kenny to come in and provide depth and provide energy for us."

The Atlanta Gladiators 14th season kicks off at the Infinite Energy Arena on Friday, October 14th against the Toledo Walleye at 7:35 PM. For ticket information, visit the official team website at www.atlantagladiators.com or call the main office line at 770-497-5100.

The Gladiators are members of the ECHL, the nation’s premier "AA" hockey league. All home games are played at the 11,355-seat Infinite Energy Arena, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth - where parking is always free. The Gladiators have established an unrivaled commitment to excellence, maintaining a distinctive reputation for affordable and family-friendly sports entertainment and consistently ranked as one of the top "Things To Do" in the Atlanta area and across the North Georgia region.

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