Gladiators Sign Forwards Merrifield, Bahntge
August 11, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release
DULUTH, Ga. - The Gladiators announced Tuesday that they have agreed to terms with Forwards Mike Merrifield and Daniel Bahntge (pronounced BAN-sha) for 2015-2016. The upcoming season will mark Merrifield's third with the team and Bahntge's first full year as a rookie.
Merrifield missed most of last season with an injury suffered during the Glads home opening weekend in October. The Michigan native would return to the line-up in March, however, and go on to finish the year with 8 points (5g, 3A) in 20 games played. Merrifield joined the organization via a trade deal with the Florida Everblades in March of 2014, in the midst of a successful season where he totaled 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 total points.
"Last year was a bit of a wash for me," said Merrifield. "Plus, it definitely wasn't the kind of season we as a team wanted to have. This year will be a big change. I believe in what Coach Brandt is doing, and I want to be a part of it."
Bahntge signed a contract with the Gladiators in March of this year after wrapping up his senior season with the Mercyhurst Lakers. He would appear in eight games with Gwinnett, tallying two goals and three assists before the end of the season. The 24 year old was Mercyhurst's leading scorer last year as well, notching nearly a point per game (13g, 23a in 39 gp). Overall, Bahntge scored 52 goals and 75 assists in 161 collegiate games played.
"Daniel came in last year and impressed everyone with his style of play," said Gladiators Head Coach Andy Brandt. "He is an extremely well-rounded player that is not only defensively reliable, but also possesses the ability to make key plays and produce offensively."
The Gladiators are set to drop the puck on their 13th season at The Arena at Gwinnett Center in October 2015. For ticket information, visit the official team website at www.gwinnettgladiators.com or call the main office line at 770-497-5100.
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from August 11, 2015
- Rush Announce Affiliation - Rapid City Rush
- Gladiators Sign Forwards Merrifield, Bahntge - Atlanta Gladiators
- Slapshot Is Calling All Kids to Get Their Clang on with Cowbell Chorus Presented by Chick-Fil-A - Reading Royals
- Walleye Sign Two Forwards and a Defenseman - Toledo Walleye
- Coyotes Announce New Affiliation Agreement with Rapid City Rush of the ECHL - Rapid City Rush
- McGowan and Reynolds Sign with Greenville - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
- Royals Sign Forward Jonathan Parker - Reading Royals
- Stroh Returns, Fuel Add Seckel - Indy Fuel
- Redmann, Summerhays Agree to Terms - Alaska Aces
- Cyclones Announce 2015-16 Promotional Schedule - Cincinnati Cyclones
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
