ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Former Captain Brandt Joins Coaching Staff

Published on September 5, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


DULUTH, Ga. - Former Gladiator forward Andy Brandt officially announced his retirement as a professional hockey player on Thursday, coinciding with being named the third assistant coach in Gwinnett Gladiators history.

Brandt's pro playing career spanned six seasons, with all but one coming in a Gwinnett uniform. In total, the Wausau, WI native compiled 224 points (90 goals, 134 assists) in 435 regular season games. As a Gladiator, Brandt played in a team-record 357 games, racking up 192 points (76 goals, 116 assists) while serving as an assistant captain from 2007-12, and team captain for the 2012-13 season. He also skated in 33 career playoff games, with all but five coming as a Gladiator.

"Bringing Brando on as our assistant coach is both part of his progression in his career and a natural step for our organization," said Gladiators Team President Steve Chapman. "It allows him to get a taste of being on the coaching side of things, to get experience and to learn and see what it takes to be successful in coaching. It gives the Gladiators a valuable asset that knows, understands and believes in our organizational values. "

The ECHL recognized Brandt for his work in the community this past season with its Community Service Award. In addition to spearheading the Gladiators yearly "Movember" campaign to help raise men's cancer awareness, he also led an initiative to keep the team involved with Children's Hospital of Atlanta by organizing player visits each month during the season. He will also continue to serve as the Director of Hockey at "The Cooler" in Alpharetta.

"The Gladiators organization has always been good to me," said Brandt. "Obviously they gave me my pro career start with Jeff Pyle, and Chappy was the GM. Over the years we've built a pretty good relationship, and I appreciate the opportunity to stay with the organization. It means a lot."

Prior to starting his pro career in Gwinnett, Brandt spent four years at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a part of the Badgers 2005-06 NCAA Championship team.

The Gladiators are members of the ECHL, the 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.

Atlanta's only professional hockey franchise opens their 11th season on October 18th against division rival Greenville. For all the latest team news, contests, and more visit GwinnettGladiators.com, or "like" the Gladiators on Facebook, and follow the team on Twitter.

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