The Atlanta Gladiators are getting a major boost on defense as Nashville has reassigned Jack Matier back to Atlanta from the Milwaukee Admirals. This marks his second return to the Gladiators lineup this season.
Matier first joined Atlanta on October 23 and made an immediate impact in his eight games with the team. The 22 year old defenseman recorded one goal and carried a plus seven rating. His lone goal was a timely one, delivering the overtime winner in a 2-1 road victory at Savannah on November 7. Nashville recalled him on November 15, and he appeared in one game with Milwaukee before being sent back to Atlanta.
A fourth round pick at 124 overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Matier brings size, poise, and experience to the Gladiators blue line. Standing at 6 foot 6 and 205 pounds, he spent most of last season in Atlanta where he played 52 games and posted 6 goals and 11 assists for 17 points. Over the past three seasons he has appeared in 58 AHL games with Milwaukee, adding 1 goal and 8 assists.
Before turning pro, Matier built an impressive junior career with the Ottawa 67s of the Ontario Hockey League. Across four seasons he totaled 22 goals and 65 assists for 87 points in 180 games. His final season was his breakout year with 13 goals, 36 assists, and a plus 40 rating in 58 games. Internationally, he earned gold twice with Team Canada, winning at the 2021 U18 World Championship and again at the 2023 World Junior Championship.
Matier now returns to a Gladiators roster preparing for a tough road stretch. Atlanta faces the Utah Grizzlies on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 9:10 PM EST. Fans can watch all the action on FloHockey or listen on the Gladiators YouTube channel.
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