Duluth, GA - The Atlanta Gladiators, proud ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators and the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals, announced on Thursday via the team’s YouTube channel that the team has signed forwards Anthony Cipollone and Joey Cipollone for the 2026-27 season.

Anthony Cipollone, 24, signs his first professional contract with the Gladiators after a four-year collegiate career at Quinnipiac University, where he tallied 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 122 games from 2022 to 2026. The 5’6”, 170-pound forward finished his senior season with 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points and a +8 rating in 34 games. In his freshman year, Anthony helped the Bobcats to their first ever NCAA National Championship in 2023. 

The native of Purchase, NY, spent two seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Brooks Bandits prior to his time at Quinnipiac. Anthony scored 52 points in 75 games with the Bandits with 18 goals and 34 assists; and won the league championship in 2022.  

“Anthony comes from a very successful program at Quinnipiac, where winning is the standard. He embraced the role he had there and is hungry to make an impact at the pro level,” said Gladiators’ Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations, Matt Ginn. “Anthony is a shifty forward that can slot in throughout the lineup. I know he’s excited to play with his brother and we’re glad to be able to add him to the group.”

Joey Cipollone, 27, is coming off a career year with the Gladiators in which he scored 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 72 games. Joey finished the season 6^th in points, 5^th in goals, and was tied for 6^th in assists among Gladiators skaters. He was one of just three skaters to appear in all 72 games for Atlanta last season. He also put together a strong showing in his Kelly Cup Playoffs debut, with 1 goal and 2 assists in 6 games. His game winning goal in double overtime of Game 5 of the South Division Semifinal at South Carolina helped the Gladiators secure their first overtime playoff victory since 2009. 

The 2026-27 campaign will be Joey’s third with the Gladiators, with whom he has tallied 32 goals and 39 assists for 71 points in 140 games. Joey made his professional debut with the Worcester Railers in 2023-24, scoring 7 goals and 15 assists for 22 points in 63 games.

Prior to joining the Railers, Cipollone played five seasons of NCAA Division I college hockey from 2018-2023, spending the first two seasons at the University of Vermont and the final three at Quinnipiac University. He scored 19 goals and 19 assists for 38 points in 107 career games with Quinnipiac, helping the Bobcats win the National Championship in 2023.

“Cippy embodies what it means to be a Gladiator,” said Ginn. “He plays the game hard, sticks up for his teammates and is a leader for our group.” He continued to say, “Cippy played in all situations for us, and is a player that the staff trusts. He embraces whatever role he is in and does the little things well. We are excited to bring Cippy back for another season.”

The Gladiators will be announcing player signings LIVE on the Atlanta Gladiators YouTube channel! Subscribe for exclusive content and stay up to date with the latest signings as the 2026-27 roster takes shape with live announcements on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 PM EST. 

Anthony and Joey Cipollone join Max Neill, Connor Caponi, Kyle Pow, and Ryan Conroy as players who have signed with the Gladiators for the 2026-27 season. 

The Gladiators open the 2026-27 campaign on October 17^th at Gas South Arena when they host the Norfolk Admirals! Single game tickets are available HERE, or secure your seats with a season ticket package by calling our sales hotline at 770-497-5100! 

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