Gladiators bring back Cranford, Pierson

DULUTH, Ga. - The Atlanta Gladiators announced today that the club has re-signed forwards Ryan Cranford and Jackson Pierson for the 2024-25 season.

Cranford, 26, returns to Atlanta after recording 26 points (14g-12a) while appearing in all 72 games in his first year as a pro. Prior to joining the Glads, Cranford played three seasons at Queen's University, accumulating 37 points (22g-15a) in 72 games.

Before his collegiate career began, Cranford, a native of Embrun, Ontario, spent four years in the Ontario Hockey League with the Kingston Frontenacs. During his time with Kingston, Cranford tallied 109 points (56g-53a) in 267 games, and served as the team's captain for the
2018-19 season.

Pierson, a native of Zionsville, Indiana, also appeared in all 72 games for Atlanta this past season, adding 43 points (17g-26a). Towards the end of the 2023-24 campaign, Pierson was named an alternate captain for the Gladiators.

Before his professional career commenced, the 24-year-old forward played four seasons with the University of New Hampshire, compiling 88 points (31g-57a) in 115 games. During the 2021-22 season, his final as a Wildcat, he was named alternate captain, totaled a career high in goals (12), and won the Len Ceglarski Individual Sportsmanship Award for the Hockey East Association. Following his senior season, Pierson joined the University of Notre Dame as a graduate transfer. In 31 games as a member of the Irish, Pierson put up nine points (1g-8a).