Glads Add Grit Up Front, Sign Rookie Forward Corson Hopwo

DULUTH, Ga. — The Atlanta Gladiators continue putting the pieces together for the 2026-27 season, and the latest addition brings a little grit, energy and plenty of experience to the ice.

The Gladiators, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals, announced the signing of rookie forward Corson Hopwo to a contract for the upcoming season.

The 25-year-old will make the jump to professional hockey after spending the past four seasons at Acadia University.

Hopwo finished his senior campaign with eight goals and five assists for 13 points in 20 games. Over his four-year collegiate career, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward totaled 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points in 99 games.

Before making the move to the college ranks, Hopwo spent four seasons in the Western Hockey League, primarily with the Medicine Hat Tigers before finishing the 2021-22 season with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

He appeared in 201 WHL games, recording 47 goals and 59 assists for 106 points.

And while those numbers show he can contribute offensively, Gladiators Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Matt Ginn believes it’s Hopwo’s willingness to do the dirty work that could make him a valuable addition to Atlanta’s lineup.

“Corson is a driven player that is eager to get his foot in the door at the pro level,” Ginn said. “He plays a high energy game with some sandpaper and grit. He is a versatile player that will go to the dirty areas and do what is needed to win. We’re excited to add Corson to our group.”

That style of play certainly sounds like it will fit right in with the identity the Gladiators are building heading into the new season.

Hopwo becomes the latest piece of a roster that continues to take shape. He joins Max Neill, Connor Caponi, Kyle Pow, Anthony Cipollone, Joey Cipollone, Jack Blake, Stephen Calisti, Ryan Nolan, Kirklan Irey, Mickey Burns, Ethan Strang and Ryan Conroy among players who have agreed to terms with Atlanta for 2026-27.

And Sports Lovelies, if you’ve been trying to keep up with all these new faces, the Glads are making it pretty easy.

The organization is revealing player signings LIVE on the Atlanta Gladiators YouTube channel every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. Eastern, giving fans an opportunity to watch the roster come together in real time.

With a new maroon, black and white look, a growing roster and expectations already set high following last season’s trip to the Kelly Cup Playoffs, the countdown to Gladiators hockey is officially on.

Atlanta opens its home schedule Saturday, October 17 at 7:10 p.m. at Gas South Arena against the Norfolk Admirals.

New colors. New faces.

Same battle.

And now, Corson Hopwo is officially joining the fight.