DULUTH, Ga. - The Atlanta Gladiators announced that the club has signed forwards Ryan Cranford and Evan Dougherty to contracts for the 2023-24 season.
Cranford, 25, played with Queen's University (USports) for the past three seasons, accumulating 37 points (22g-15a) in 72 games played.
Prior to joining the Gaels, Cranford spent four years in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) with the Kingston Frontenacs. During his tenure with Kingston, Cranford recorded 109 total points (56g-53a) in 267 games, and served as the team's captain for the 2018-19 season.
Dougherty, 24, played with Bowling Green State University (Division 1) for the better part of five seasons. The Kalamazoo, Michigan native skated in 123 games with the Falcons, accruing 26 points (17g-9a).
"I’m really excited to see both Ryan and Evan once they get to camp," head coach Derek Nesbitt said. "The reviews they received from their coaches were high character, professional attitudes in how they carry themselves and approach each day, team first type guys. Watching them on film you can see the work ethic they bring each shift. Both players possess skills to be able to make plays and score when given the opportunity while also providing some energy to the lineup. They’re very excited to get to Atlanta and begin their pro careers and I believe they will take advantage of any opportunity given to them."
Cranford and Dougherty join Dylan Carabia, Brayden Crowder, Cody Sylvester, Mitch Walinski, and Tyler Harmon as players to have signed with the Gladiators for the 2023-24 season.
Photo credits belong to Bowling Green State University Athletics and the Ontario Hockey League.
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