Topatigh returns to Gladiators

Action photo of Derek Topatigh of the Atlanta Gladiators

DULUTH, Ga. – The Atlanta Gladiators announced that the team has re-signed defenseman Derek Topatigh for the 2022-23 season.

Topatigh tied for the lead amongst Gladiators' defensemen with defense partner Tim Davison after totaling 40 points (13g-27a) in his first full ECHL season in 2021-22. The Mississauga, Ontario native's 13 goals led Atlanta blueliners, and were tied for sixth among all ECHL defensemen.

The 25-year-old also made his American Hockey League debut last season by appearing in one game with the Chicago Wolves and recording one assist. He also skated in training camp with the AHL's Belleville Senators.

Topatigh first turned pro during the 2020-21 season with the Macon Mayhem of the Southern Professional Hockey League. He tasted ECHL action for seven games with the Wheeling Nailers before returning to Macon later in the campaign.

In four years at Princeton University, Topatigh accumulated 43 points (15g-28a) in 129 career games.