Berkstresser Signs with Gladiators
August 19, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release
DULUTH, Ga. - An integral leadership position was filled for the Gwinnett Gladiators with the signing of veteran forward Sean Berkstresser on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old joins the Gladiators after six seasons spent with the Greenville Road Warriors/Johnstown Chiefs organization. He holds the record for most games played in a Road Warriors jersey (262), and was named the team's captain last season.
"It's an honor to be a part of this organization and to be a Gladiator," said Berkstresser. "I'm excited to get training camp started and lead this year's team through a winning season, and onto a Kelly Cup victory."
In 399 ECHL games, Berkstresser has collected 179 points (72g, 107a) and 485 penalty minutes. He has also chipped in 15 points (6g, 9a) in 37 postseason contests, all within the last four seasons.
"One of our goals going into this season was to improve our leadership, our grit - our determination. Sean's game can be pretty well defined in those terms," said Gladiators President Steve Chapman. "We think that he is one of the key pieces to the team puzzle. He brings experience and leadership. Equally important, he's looking to accomplish the same things that we are as an organization. He's not messing around. He's wants to win and win now."
The Apollo, Pennsylvania native began his professional career in 2008 with the Wheeling Nailers, playing in eight games after the conclusion of his playing career at Robert Morris University. In his four years at the Division I school, Berkstresser gathered 32 goals and 45 assists (77 points) in 128 games.
Berkstresser is the latest signing in what has been a busy off-season for the Gladiators. He joins Marshall Everson (EVE-er-son), Randy Cameron, Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Brenden Walker, and Nathan Burns in the growing group 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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