The Atlanta Gladiators released their first signings of the 2017-2018 season on Tuesday, announcing that the team has agreed to terms with defensemen Colin Sullivan and Cody Carlson.Sullivan, 24, made his pro debut with the Gladiators last season on March 24th after completing a three-year stint for the University of Miami (OH). In six games played with Atlanta, the defenseman notched an assist and six penalty minutes. The former 7th Round pick (198th overall) of the Montreal Canadiens in 2011 NHL Entry Draft earned five points in 54 career games for the Redhawks. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound d-man also spent one season with Boston College in 2012-13, notching an assist in 32 games. "In a limited amount of time last season, we saw a very well-rounded game from Colin" said Gladiators Head Coach Andy Brandt. "He has good size and can skate well, but most importantly he can also defend well. We look for Colin to take a big step forward this season in his development as he continues to adjust to the pro game."Carlson, 26, returns to the Gladiators after appearing in 18 games with the team in his rookie season. During his tenure in Atlanta, the 5-foot-10, 195-pound defenseman amassed two goals and six assists for eight total points, along with 42 penalty minutes. The Victoria, BC native spent three of the past four seasons playing in Europe with teams in France, Germany, and the UK. Carlson spent the 2015-2016 season with the ECHL's Cincinnati Cyclones, appearing in 70 games and notching 15 points off 5 goals and 10 assists.

"Cody is a guy who plays a hard game with a high compete level and will stick up for his teammates," said Coach Brandt. "He will be someone we count on in all situations this season, and we look forward to having his offensive poise and leadership back in Atlanta."The Atlanta Gladiators 15th anniversary season kicks off at the Infinite Energy Arena on Friday, October 20th against the Florida Everblades at 7:35 PM. For ticket package 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.For all the latest team news, contests, and more visit AtlantaGladiators.com, or “like” the Gladiators on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlantaGladiators), follow the team on Twitter (www.twitter.com/ATLGladiators), Instagram (www.instagram.com/atlgladiators) or Snapchat (www.snapchat.com) at "gladshockey". -###-