Shiplo Returns for 16-17

The Atlanta Gladiators announced Wednesday that defenseman Tyler Shiplo has agreed to terms with the organization for the 2016-2017 season.

Shiplo, 24, returns to the Gladiators for his second full season with the team. Appearing in 40 games with Atlanta in 2015-2016, the Oakville, Ontario native notched 2 goals and 7 assists for 9 total points.

"Tyler had a good rookie year for us last season even though he was plagued with an injury in the middle of the season, " said Gladiators Head Coach Andy Brandt. "With Tyler coming in to camp healthy, we look for him to him to provide an offensive punch on our defensive corps.

"His poise with the puck and skating abilities generate those scoring opportunities. Our goal is to continue working on his decision making skills, which will lead to Tyler becoming one of the elite defensemen in our league."

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound defenseman made his professional debut with the Gladiators late in the 14-15 season, scoring one goal and two assists in eight games. Prior to turning pro, Shiplo appeared in 158 games with Mercyhurst University. Over the course of his four year NCAA career, the Laker produced 67 points with a plus-15 rating and was named the team’s assistant captain in his senior season.

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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