T.J. Semptimphelter Named to ECHL All-Rookie Team

The ECHL on Wednesday announced its All-Rookie Team for 2025-26, with Gladiators goaltender T.J. Semptimphelter named to the team, becoming the tenth player in franchise history to receive the distinction and first since Sam Asselin in the 2019-20 season.

The All-Rookie Team is determined by a vote of ECHL coaches, broadcasters, media relations directors and media, who were asked to select a goaltender, two defensemen and three forwards. A rookie is defined as a player who has played in less than 25 professional games at the “AA” level or higher prior to the start of the current season.

T.J. Semptimphelter has been phenomenal for the Gladiators in his rookie campaign, posting a record of 20-12-2-1 in 35 appearances. He is second among rookies – and seventh overall – with a 2.28 goals-against average and third among first-year netminders with a .917 save percentage. He recorded his first professional shutout on October 24 at Florida, stopping all 25 shots he faced. The 6-1, 190-pound netminder was named the ECHL’s Goaltender of the Month in December with a record of 5-0, a 1.6 GAA and a .944 SV% in five appearances; and represented the Gladiators at the 2026 ECHL All-Star Classic in January.

Semptimphelter is in his first full season of professional hockey after completing his senior season at the University of North Dakota with a record of 18-11-2, a 2.64 GAA, a .910 SV%, and 1 shutout in the 2024-25 campaign. Over the course of his collegiate career, the native of Marlton, NJ, spent one season at Northeastern University, two at Arizona State University, and one at the University of North Dakota, finishing with an overall record of 53-40-6, a 2.63 GAA, and a .913 SV% with 9 shutouts in 101 games. The 6’1”, 190-pound goaltender was a nominee for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award and the Mike Richter Award in 2023; and appeared in one game with the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders in April of 2025.

2025-26 ECHL All-Rookie Team

G – T.J. Semptimphelter, Atlanta Gladiators (35 gp, 20-12-3, 2.28 GAA, .917 save pct.)

D – Brent Johnson, Wheeling Nailers (70 gp, 12g, 43a, 53 pts.)

D – Ben Meehan, Reading Royals (69 gp, 12g, 34a, 46 pts.) F – Danny Dzhaniyev, Utah Grizzlies (72 gp, 24g, 49a, 73 pts.)

F – Jackson Jutting, Kansas City Mavericks (64 gp, 30g, 29a, 59 pts.)

F – Ryan Kirwan, Cincinnati Cyclones (58 gp, 25g, 33a, 58 pts.)