Guggenburger Returns to Gwinnett
July 12, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release
DULUTH, Ga. - The Gwinnett Gladiators announced the return of goaltender Mark Guggenberger on Saturday as the third player signing for the 2014-2015 squad.
Guggenberger (pronounced GOOG-in-berger), 25, was the 12th goaltender to make an appearance for Gwinnett last season, and provided stability to the position down the stretch. The Richfield, MN native posted impressive numbers across the board in a Gladiators sweater, going 10-5 with a 2.75 goals against average and a .913 save percentage after Gwinnett acquired his rights from the Alaska Aces on February 28th in exchange for forward Alex Belzile.
"We found a good fit last season with Gugges," explained Steve Chapman, Gladiators President and General Manager. "At the time, between the call-ups and season-ending injuries that had plagued us at the goalie position, we were really looking for stability in net and Gugges came in and provided that for the team. He has the ability to make the big save, potentially steal a game, but - more than anything - he gives the guys confidence. He's a gamer as well - a throwback - and that's a good quality that fits our culture. I think, at the same time, we provided Mark with some of the stability that he needs to progress his career and to get it back on the track of being an elite player in the ECHL and beyond. Now, we have to build on that and take it beyond just being the start of a great story."
Guggenberger also appeared in six games with the Aces last season prior to playing in 18 with the Central Hockey League's Allen Americans. Shortly after a 21-save shutout performance in Gwinnett's regular season finale against Elmira on April 12th, he received his first call-up to the American Hockey League for the Rochester Americans. In that game Guggenberger turned aside 41 shots, and stopped seven of ten attempts in a 2-1 shootout loss.
In his first ECHL campaign in 2012-13, Guggenberger starred for the Aces en route to winning 25 games and earning a spot on the ECHL's All-Second Team. Prior to that, he was named the CHL's Most Outstanding Goalie and Rookie of the Year as a member of the Texas Brahmas.
With the team's 11th season in the books, the Gladiators are set to return for their 2014-15 campaign at the Arena at Gwinnett Center with the team's Home Opener set for October 24th at 7:35 p.m. against the Wheeling Nailers. For tickets and schedule information, visit the official team website at www.gwinnettgladiators.com or call the main office line at 770-497-5100.
The Gladiators are members of the ECHL, the nation's premier "AA" hockey league and are affiliated with the Phoenix Coyotes of the NHL. All home games are played at the 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.
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