Gladiators bring back Datema, Boyer

DULUTH, Ga. - The Atlanta Gladiators announced that the club has signed defenseman Brenden Datema and forward Joshua Boyer to contracts for the 2024-25 season.

Datema, 25, suited up in 12 games for Atlanta last season, picking up two assists. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native joined the Gladiators after registering 19 points (2g-17a) in 65 games across two seasons with Canisius College. Before joining the Golden Griffins, he suited up in 35 games with Michigan Tech, producing four points (1g-3a).

Before his collegiate career began, Datema played in the North American Hockey League for two seasons, both with the Amarillo Bulls. In 2018-19, Datema led the NAHL in scoring among defenseman, accumulating 60 points (21g-39a) in 58 games, while also adding another five points (2g-3a) in 13 playoff contests.

Boyer first signed with the Gladiators on March 27 of last season, appearing in eight games and tallying two points (1g-1a). The 24-year-old scored his first professional goal on April 13, a thrilling 4-3 victory in Jacksonville, against the Icemen.

Prior to joining the Gladiators, the Wasilla, Alaska native appeared in 36 games with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he notched five points (3g-2a). Following the 2020-21 season, Boyer transferred to St. Lawrence University, where he'd play for the remainder of his collegiate career, posting 24 points (11g-13a) in 105 games played.