Atlanta Gladiators Add Forward Colton Friesen for 2026-27
The 24-year-old forward joins Atlanta after a career-best season at Augustana and a steady rise through the NCAA ranks.
The Atlanta Gladiators are adding another young forward to their 2026-27 roster, announcing the signing of Colton Friesen on Sept. 23.
Friesen, 24, is set to begin his professional career after spending the last three seasons at Augustana University. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward posted career highs across the board during his senior season, recording 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points in 37 games.
His 27 points ranked second on the Vikings, while his 12 goals ranked third and his 15 assists tied for second during the 2025-26 campaign.
Friesen Brings Experience From Multiple Levels
The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native took a winding path through college hockey before reaching the Division I level.
Friesen began his collegiate career at Wisconsin-Superior during the 2022-23 season. As a freshman, he led the team in scoring with 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points across 29 games.
He then made the jump to NCAA Division I hockey with Augustana in 2023-24 and continued to develop throughout his three seasons with the Vikings.
Across 93 Division I games, Friesen totaled 22 goals and 33 assists for 55 points, improving his production in goals, assists, points and games played each season.
Before college, Friesen spent the 2021-22 season with the Anchorage Wolverines of the North American Hockey League. He recorded 11 goals and 25 assists for 36 points in 60 games while earning NAHL Top-Team All-Star recognition and a spot on the 2022 NAHL Robertson Cup All-Tournament Team.
Gladiators See Two-Way Potential
Atlanta head coach and Director of Hockey Operations Matt Ginn highlighted Friesen's offensive ability and competitiveness as reasons for bringing him into the organization.
“Colton is coming off a very good season at Augustana where he was relied upon to be a difference maker offensively,” Ginn said. “Colton has a very good shot and release; and does a great job getting into shooting opportunities and getting it off.”
Ginn also pointed to Friesen's ability to compete for pucks and contribute throughout the ice.
“He competes hard, wins battles, and uses his smarts to play a 200-foot game,” Ginn said.
The Gladiators believe Friesen's progression through different levels of college hockey has prepared him for the professional game.
“He has had to prove himself at every level,” Ginn said. “He is hungry and exactly the type of player we want to bring into our program. We’re excited to bring Colton to Atlanta.”
Gladiators Continue Building 2026-27 Roster
Friesen joins a growing group of players who have signed with Atlanta for the upcoming season, including Max Neill, Connor Caponi, Kyle Pow, Anthony Cipollone, Joey Cipollone, Jack Blake, Stephen Calisti, Ryan Nolan, Kirklan Irey, Sam Tremblay, Mickey Burns, Ethan Strang, Corson Hopwo, Andrew Jarvis, Josh Winquist, Mike McNamee, Branden Troock, Mason Ward, Brendan Less and Ryan Conroy.
The Gladiators are announcing their player signings through the team's YouTube channel as the 2026-27 roster continues to take shape.
Atlanta's home opener is scheduled for Oct. 17 at Gas South Arena, with puck drop set for 7:10 p.m.
Source: Atlanta Gladiators.
