1. Home
  2. News
  3. TRANSACTION: DEREK TOPATIGH RETURNS TO THE GLADIATORS

TRANSACTION: DEREK TOPATIGH RETURNS TO THE GLADIATORS

Tuesday, July 16th
TRANSACTION: DEREK TOPATIGH RETURNS TO THE GLADIATORS

DULUTH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Gladiators announced today that the club has signed defenseman Derek Topatigh to an ECHL contract ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Topatigh, 27, spent this past season with the Wipptal Broncos of the Alps Hockey League, accruing 43 points (8G, 35A) in 40 regular season games. In the postseason, Topatigh recorded eight points (2G, 6A) in 11 games.

"I'm excited to be coming back to Atlanta," Derek Topatigh said. "The Glads have one of the best fan bases in the entire league, and Gas South Arena is a fantastic environment for hockey. We also have some unfinished business to take care of, and I can't wait to hit the ice."

During the 2021-22 campaign, his first of two seasons as Gladiator, the Mississauga, Ontario native posted an impressive 40 point season (13G, 27A). Topatigh continued his outstanding play into the next season, appearing in 65 games and accumulating 38 points (6G, 32A), which earned the right-shot defenseman a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star team.

"Having Topes [Derek Topatigh] back is a huge boost to our group on and off the ice," head coach Derek Nesbitt commented. "He's a great teammate with a strong work ethic and he's a real competitive guy. He was an All-Star for us in 2022-23, and can play in all situations. He's a huge addition to the core of our team."

Prior to turning pro, Topatigh played four seasons at Princeton University, piling up 43 points (15G, 28A) in 129 collegiate contests.

Derek Topatigh joins Eric Neiley as players to have signed with the Gladiators for the 2024-25 season.

Upcoming Home Games

Full Schedule
School Day #2
Wednesday, March 26th
School Day #2
Puck Drops:
10:30 AM EDT
Gas South Arena
Orlando Solar Bears
ORL Orlando Solar Bears
at
Atlanta Gladiators
ATL Atlanta Gladiators
Gas South Arena
Retro Gaming Night
Saturday, March 29th
Retro Gaming Night
Puck Drops:
7:00 PM EDT
Gas South Arena
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
GVL Greenville Swamp Rabbits
at
Atlanta Gladiators
ATL Atlanta Gladiators
Gas South Arena
Orlando Solar Bears @ Atlanta Gladiators
Wednesday, April 2nd
Orlando Solar Bears @ Atlanta Gladiators
Puck Drops:
7:00 PM EDT
Gas South Arena
Orlando Solar Bears
ORL Orlando Solar Bears
at
Atlanta Gladiators
ATL Atlanta Gladiators
Gas South Arena

Latest News

More News
TRANSACTION: GLADIATORS ACQUIRE ALEX YOUNG AND RYAN FRANCIS FROM THUNDER
TRANSACTION: GLADIATORS ACQUIRE ALEX YOUNG AND RYAN FRANCIS FROM THUNDER
TRANSACTION: CHAD NYCHUK RECALLED FROM LOAN TO THE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
TRANSACTION: CHAD NYCHUK RECALLED FROM LOAN TO THE MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS
RECAP: JOEY CIPOLLONE SPOILS THE SHUTOUT WITH 4 SECONDS LEFT IN REGULATION, BUT ATLANTA LOSES 3-1
RECAP: JOEY CIPOLLONE SPOILS THE SHUTOUT WITH 4 SECONDS LEFT IN REGULATION, BUT ATLANTA LOSES 3-1

Get Hockey Updates

Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about news and upcoming games!