GLADIATORS ADD ALEX WHELAN

DULUTH, Ga. - The Atlanta Gladiators announced today that the club has signed forward Alex Whelan to an ECHL contract for the 2023-24 season.

Whelan joins the Gladiators following a short stint with the Jacksonville Icemen this past season, where he recorded four points (2g-2a) in three games. The 26-year-old also tallied ten points (3g-7a) in 42 American Hockey League games last season with both the Hartford Wolfpack and Cleveland Monsters.

Prior to turning pro, Whelan spent four seasons at Quinnipiac University, appearing in 141 games and producing 78 points (48g-30a).

"We are thrilled to welcome Alex to the Gladiators organization following extensive experience in the AHL," Gladiators head coach Derek Nesbitt said. "That experience alone is going to be huge in helping to get our group off on the right foot. Alex is a heavy player who can play in all situations, is smart on both sides of the puck, and will help us with scoring. He plays the game the right way, and we can’t hear enough about how great of a teammate Alex is."

The Ramsey, New Jersey native played youth hockey with both Anthony Firriolo and Tyler Harmon as a part of the New Jersey Hitmen 16U AAA team in 2013-14. That season, Whelan led the league in goals (35), was named Forward of the Year and Most Valuable Player. He was named New Jersey High School Player of the Year that season, as well.

Alex Whelan joins Dylan Carabia, Ryan Cranford, Brayden Crowder, Evan Dougherty, Tyler Harmon, Anthony Firriolo, Mitch Fossier, Jackson Pierson, Adam Samuelsson, Cody Sylvester, Mitch Walinski, and Zach Yoder as players to have signed with the Gladiators for the 2023-24 season.