ECHL: Atlanta Gladiators Media Day — Day One

The Atlanta Gladiators opened their 2025–26 season with an online Media Day streamed live on YouTube, a format that’s become a fan favorite after a summer of interactive signing shows. Unlike a typical press scrum, each player took their turn in rotation. The setup gave every Gladiator—from rookies to veterans—a chance to share their own perspective in an authentic, conversational way. It also allowed fans to learn more about each player’s personality and season outlook while following along live from home.

Viewers heard directly from returning players and new faces as the team outlined a fresh focus on chemistry, speed, and accountability after the conclusion of training camp.

Leadership Taking Shape

Day One introduced part of the leadership group as Andrew Jarvis and Louis Boudon discussed stepping into their new roles as alternate captains. Both interviews captured the balance of perspective and responsibility that comes with leading a locker room eager to reset its identity.

For Jarvis, this camp already feels like a turning point. He reflected on how different the room feels compared to last season—not just because of new faces but because of a collective mindset shift that’s been building since the first day of training camp.

Jarvis: “It’s way different, way more mature already, not just because we have older guys, but our younger guys are really here to win. Nobody wants to go through that again.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

When it was his turn, Louis Boudon offered a slightly different angle—one grounded in patience and adaptability as the group works to establish rhythm and trust.

Boudon: “Obviously you want to get things started on the right foot, but you just have to do the things right. There’s going to be a lot of mistakes as well, and you have to accept that and just battle shift by shift.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Together, their remarks underscored the same message: maturity, accountability, and composure will be the backbone of this year’s Gladiators team.

Rookies Adjusting to the Pace

After hearing from the veterans, the spotlight turned to the rookies—players taking their first strides in professional hockey and learning quickly what separates the college game from the pros. Each newcomer described the adjustment in their own way, but the message was consistent: the game is faster, the decisions come quicker, and every shift matters.

Ethan Scardina, fresh out of Bowling Green, smiled as he admitted that speed was the biggest difference.

Scardina: “It’s a little bit faster, obviously. Guys are older, stronger, bigger, so just making decisions quicker and kind of keeping your head up—that’s the biggest thing.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Isak Walther, the 6’4″ Swedish forward from the University of Vermont, echoed that same adjustment curve.

Walther: “It’s faster, and you’ve got to be ready for everything. The game goes up and down so quick, and you’ve got to make quick plays and just stay in it.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Peter Morgan, a Sarasota native making his pro debut after SUNY Geneseo, added his own honest take on the transition, highlighting both the learning curve and the excitement of this next chapter.

Morgan: “It’s definitely a lot faster, but I think that’s good for my game. I like to play fast. Everyone’s bigger and stronger too, so it’s an adjustment, but I’m just trying to learn as much as I can.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

As the interviews rotated through the lineup, it became clear that the rookies are not just catching up to the pace—they’re embracing it. Each spoke with confidence, humility, and a clear understanding that growth comes from the grind.

Between the Pipes: Teamwork in Goal

From there, the conversation moved to the crease, where Ethan Haider and T.J. Semptimphelter offered insight into the unique partnership that defines a successful goaltending tandem. Both had just returned from training camps with the Nashville Predators and Milwaukee Admirals, bringing with them lessons learned from competing alongside NHL and AHL talent.

Haider spoke about how that experience shaped his preparation and confidence heading into the new season.

Haider: “When you get to make a big save on these guys, it feels good. Just seeing how they operate on a day-to-day basis and trying to take and pick pieces to add into my own game—it helps out a lot.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Semptimphelter agreed with Haider’s assessment and added that the duo has built a strong sense of trust, emphasizing that the relationship between goaltenders goes far beyond the stat sheet.

Semptimphelter: “It’s a long season. It’s going to be really important that we’re both going, and if one guy’s struggling, the other can pick him up. The only other person on the team that gets what’s going on is your tandem partner.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Both goaltenders spoke like veterans—focused on structure, communication, and the shared responsibility of keeping Atlanta in every game. Their approach embodies the steady, team-first mentality that has quietly become this year’s theme.

Building Chemistry Beyond the Ice

Players described how simple moments—team meals and a go-karting night at Atlanta Motorsports Park—helped break the ice and build trust.

Forwards Ryan Francis and Alex Young, who both joined midseason last year, said the chance to start fresh has already paid off.

Francis: “Getting back to the playoffs. I haven’t been to playoffs since junior, so I want to get a taste of it. I think that would be the biggest goal for the team, for sure.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Young added that this camp feels different because everyone is starting together.

“It’s great being here from the beginning. You build those relationships right away instead of trying to fit in midseason.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Their answers carried a consistent theme—not just hope for a better season, but belief that this group is built to earn it.

Defining a New Identity

When forward Ryan Nolan was asked how Atlanta wants to play this year, his answer was immediate.

Nolan: “We want to play fast, transition fast. Always be aggressive—aggressive mistakes are okay. Don’t let teams come to us. Just get up and play, get after ’em, and try and get that first one.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Defenseman Anthony Firriolo tied that vision back to accountability and long-term goals.

Firriolo: “I know we have a lot of older guys that want to continue to grow, continue to climb that ladder, and just overall just win a championship at the end of the day. So I think that’s a goal for everybody here, outside of individual success, and I think that we have the pieces to do that this year.” (Atlanta Gladiators Media Day, 2025).

Sunshine and Momentum

Between discussions of systems and structure, several players admitted they’re enjoying the Georgia sunshine after years in northern climates. It was a small detail, but one that spoke to comfort, contentment, and readiness for what’s ahead.

A light moment, sure, but one that also reflected how this group has worked hard to build something uniquely its own. From the locker room atmosphere to the way they connect with fans, the Gladiators are shaping a culture defined by balance, buy-in, and belonging.

The Bottom Line

Day One of the Gladiators’ online Media Day showcased a group that’s cohesive, energetic, and focused on growth. From rookies learning the pace to veterans defining the standard, the message was consistent: play fast, play together, and make Atlanta tough to play against.

Day Two of Media Day will feature Captain Cody Sylvester and additional players as they continue sharing their outlook for the 2025–26 season. We’ll have that full recap later today.

SOURCE: Atlanta Gladiators Media Day – Day One. (2025, October 15). Atlanta Gladiators Media Day [Video]. YouTube