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ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Forney Returns to Gladiators

January 23, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


Forward Michael Forney has been re-assigned to the Gwinnett Gladiators from the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League by the Atlanta Thrashers of the National Hockey League. In addition, the Gladiators have signed free agent forward Colin Nicholson.

Forney returns to the Gladiators after he was held scoreless in one game with the Wolves on January 21st at Grand Rapids. The Thief River Falls, Minnesota, native posted an assist in four games with Chicago at the beginning of the season before being assigned to Gwinnett on October 28th.

Forney has earned 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists) in 39 games this season with the Gladiators. His 38 points ranks 15th overall in the ECHL while his 28 assists currently shares fifth in the ECHL. Forney has recorded at least a point in 15 of the last 17 games for the Gladiators and had an ECHL career best three points (two goals, one assist) in the Gladiators 4-3 win over Greenville on January 7th. His 38 points is currently tops on the Gladiators. Forney has also been selected to represent the Gladiators in the 2011 ECHL All Star Game in Bakersfield, California on January 26th.

Forney spent a majority of last season in Gwinnett as he racked up 26 points (11 goals, 15 assists) in 63 games. He also played three games for Chicago in the AHL but did not register a point. He was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the third round with the 80th overall pick in the 2006 NHL entry draft.

Nicholson joins the Gladiators after he appeared in 70 games with the Florida Everblades last season. He earned 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) with Florida and recorded an assist in eight Kelly Cup Playoff games with the Everblades last season.

He split time during the 2008-09 season with the Everblades and the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League. He earned one assist in two AHL games and had 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in 67 games with the Everblades.

Nicholson played his first two professional seasons with the Texas Wildcatters from 2006-2008. He earned 35 points (14 goals, 25 assists) in two seasons with the Wildcatters.

Prior to turning professional, the Dartmouth, NS, native skated four seasons at Lake Superior State University from 2002-2006. He tallied 47 points (25 goals, 22 assists) in 115 career collegiate games with the Lakers.

Nicholson and Forney should be available for the Gladiators for today's 4:05 p.m. tilt against the Greenville Road Warriors at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

The Gladiators are the AA affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers and play all home games at the 11,355-seat Arena at Gwinnett Center, located just off I-85 on Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth.

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