ECHL Atlanta Gladiators

Gladiators Add Two Forwards: Southern Returns

August 21, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Atlanta Gladiators News Release


DULUTH, Ga. - The Gwinnett Gladiators announced the signing of forward Dirk Southern on Wednesday, as well as former R.P.I. captain C.J. Lee.

Southern, 30, racked up 19 goals and 39 assists in 74 games as a Gladiator during the 07-08, and 08-09 seasons. A seventh round pick (#218 overall) in the 2003 draft by Anaheim, Southern played professionally the past three years in Denmark and Italy, and produced 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 30 games for the Danish team EfB Ishockey last season.

The Winnipeg, MAN native played collegiately at Northern Michigan University, where he finished his four-year career with 122 points (43 goals, 79 assists) in 149 games.

"He is going to have a leadership role with the team this year," said Gladiators head coach Rick Emmett. "He's certainly someone that can be a point-per-game guy, quarterback our power play up front, and be responsible in all three zones. Dirk is a facilitator of offense."

"Most players would want to play their entire career in a place like Gwinnett," said Southern. "Getting the opportunity to go back there, put the jersey back on, and stuff like that is a no-brainer."

Click here to hear the full interview with Dirk

Lee, 24, wrapped up his collegiate career with R.P.I. as Team Captain last season, posting 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 36 games. The Staten Island, NY native played in 133 games over his four-year stint with the Engineers, totaling 52 points (19 goals, 33 assists) and 196 penalty minutes.

Lee received R.P.I's Ben Mayo Most Inspirational Player award last season, and was also a finalist for the 2013 Hockey Commissioners Association Derek Hines Unsung Hero Award. He was also a teammate for two years at R.P.I. with former Gladiator forward Bryan Brutlag.

"Guys from that program have good work ethic and detail to their game," said Emmett. "C.J. is a player along the lines of a Bryan Brutlag, but more polished with his puck skills. He is a hard worker that gets around the ice really well."

"[Bryan] said it was a great setup; he really loved it here," said Lee. "I think I'm a similar player to what he brought to the table and he had a lot of success, so I'm hoping I can have just as much."

Southern and Lee bump Gwinnett's 2013-14 roster up to five players. The team previously added defensemen Devon Krogh and Jonathan Narbonne, as well as forward Evan Bloodoff.

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