Gladiators Add Scoring Power and Blue Line Depth in Trade With Iowa

The Atlanta Gladiators are shaking things up.

On Monday, the team announced a multi-player trade with the Iowa Heartlanders, acquiring forward Jack O’Brien and defenseman Nolan Orzeck in exchange for defensemen Anthony Firriolo and Jack Robilotti.

For a roster looking to generate more consistency, this move brings both offense and experience.

Jack O’Brien: A Proven Scorer on the Rise

O’Brien, 22, arrives in Atlanta in just his second professional season — and he has already shown he can produce at a high level.

Through 25 games with Iowa, O’Brien recorded:

• 11 goals
• 11 assists
• 22 points

At the time of the trade, he was Iowa’s leading goal scorer and point producer.

Last season, in his first year as a pro, O’Brien put up 7 goals and 10 assists in 35 games. Before turning pro, the 6’1 forward built an impressive junior resume with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, finishing his four seasons with:

• 63 goals
• 131 assists
• 194 points in 255 games

His combination of size, speed, and finishing ability gives Atlanta another weapon up front.

Nolan Orzeck: Steady, Smart, and Experienced on Defense

Joining O’Brien is 24-year-old defenseman Nolan Orzeck, now in his fourth professional season.

Through 25 games this year with Iowa, Orzeck posted:

• 3 goals
• 6 assists

Across his ECHL career, he has totaled 16 goals and 61 assists for 77 points in 173 games.

Orzeck’s path has taken him from Iowa to Allen, then overseas to Finland, before returning to the Heartlanders for this season. Prior to turning pro, he logged four seasons with the WHL’s Kootenay/Winnipeg Ice, where he recorded 79 points in 200 games.

He brings mobility, puck movement, and minutes-eating reliability to Atlanta’s blue line.

Who’s Heading Out

Two familiar faces depart the Gladiators as part of the deal.

• Jack Robilotti leaves after appearing in 13 games with Atlanta.
• Anthony Firriolo returns to Iowa after scoring 3 goals and adding 6 assists in 17 games with the Gladiators this season.

What’s Next

The Gladiators hit the road next, facing the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on January 2 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

They return home January 3 for Star Wars Night at Gas South Arena — and fans will get their first look at the newest additions in Gladiators colors.

Atlanta will be looking for O’Brien’s scoring touch and Orzeck’s steady presence to make an immediate impact.