Nesbitt back for ninth season with Gladiators

DULUTH, Ga. - The Atlanta Gladiators announced that veteran forward Derek Nesbitt has agreed to terms for the 2021-22 season. 

Nesbitt is the Gladiators all-time leader in points (373), goals (148) and games played (447). The Seaforth, Ontario native also ranks second in franchise history with 225 assists. Nesbitt has servved as Atlanta's captain for four of the last five seasons. 

Nesbitt recorded 46 points (15g-31a) in the 2019-20 season with the Gladiators. 

The 39-year-old has put together an expansive professional career. Through 15 seasons, Nesbitt has skated in 975 pro hockey games including 550 in the ECHL, 372 in the American Hockey League, and 53 in Europe’s Erste Bank Eishockey Liga.  

The 2021-22 season will mark Nesbitt’s ninth with the Gladiators. He has skated with 11 different professional clubs over the course of his career including the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads and Toledo Walleye. Nesbitt helped lead Idaho to a Kelly Cup championship in 2007 after posting 81 points (30g-51a) in 66 regular-season games to go with 18 points (6g-12a) during the Steelheads’ playoff run. His play also earned him a spot in the 2007 ECHL All-Star Game.