Burns to Begin Pro Career in Gwinnett
August 14, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release
DULUTH, Ga. - The Gwinnett Gladiators announced the signing of forward Nathan Burns for the 2014-15 season on Thursday.
Burns, 21, joins the Gladiators after five seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Vancouver Giants, Saskatoon Blades, and Swift Current Broncos. Over 309 career WHL games, Burns has tallied 195 points (75g, 120a) and 254 penalty minutes. He also has reached the playoffs four times, most recently with Swift Current this past spring, when he chipped in four goals and three assists in six games.
"He is a big body that can play center and the wing," said Gladiators President Steve Chapman. "Our head coach, Rick Emmett, worked with our AHL affiliate in Portland to get him into the Arizona Coyotes prospect camp earlier this summer, and everyone was impressed by what they saw from him. His stats show that he can put the puck in the net and he brings a solid 200 foot game. We're excited about his potential."
In addition to his time with the Coyotes in July, the native of Edmonton, Alberta has been invited to the annual Traverse City Tournament by the New York Rangers. The prospect tournament takes place every September in Michigan, staged by eight NHL clubs as a way to showcase young, promising talent.
Burns is the youngest Gladiator currently under contract, and joins Marshall Everson (EVE-er-son), Randy Cameron, Casey Pierro-Zabotel, and Brenden Walker in the stable of forwards. The team has also signed defensemen Daniel Spivak (SPEE-vack), Joe Stejskal (STAY-skull), Tony DeHart, and goaltender Mark Guggenberger (GOOG-in-berger) this summer.
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 Arizona 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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