Glads Add Size and Physicality with Signing of Forward Max Neill

The Atlanta Gladiators continue putting the pieces together for the 2026-27 season, and their latest addition could bring the grit and physical presence the club is looking for up front.

The Gladiators, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, announced Thursday that they have signed forward Max Neill for the upcoming season. The signing was revealed live on the team’s YouTube channel as Atlanta continues its offseason roster build.

Neill, 25, officially joins the Gladiators after being acquired from the Bloomington Bison in a trade completed on October 14 that sent defenseman Brenden Datema to Bloomington. Injuries limited the 6-foot-1, 190-pound forward to just two games last season, but the organization is confident a healthy Neill can make an immediate impact.

Before his injury-shortened campaign, Neill recorded five goals in 32 games with the Bison during the 2024-25 season. His journey to professional hockey has included stops at both Lindenwood University and the University of Waterloo. After posting one goal and one assist at Lindenwood during the 2022-23 season, he broke out offensively at Waterloo with 10 goals and nine assists in 2023-24.

The Portage la Prairie, Manitoba native made his professional debut later that season with the Utah Grizzlies, collecting two assists in 17 games.

Gladiators Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Matt Ginn believes Neill brings more than just size to Atlanta’s lineup.

“Max has had a tough run of injuries the last couple seasons, but he is healthy and eager to make an impact,” Ginn said. “He is a big, physical body that is hard to play against. He goes to the dirty areas and uses his big frame to his advantage. We’re excited to add Max and look forward to the impact he will bring to the lineup.”

For a Gladiators team looking to establish a physical identity, Neill’s willingness to battle in the tough areas of the ice could make him an important piece of Atlanta’s forward group this season.

The Gladiators will continue unveiling player signings live every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. ET on the team’s YouTube channel as the 2026-27 roster continues to take shape.

Atlanta opens the 2026-27 season on October 17 at Gas South Arena, where the Gladiators will welcome the Norfolk Admirals for Opening Night.