Ep. 9: A New Era for Atlanta Hockey? Inside the Gladiators’ Big Reveal with Guy Chiarenza

Something is changing in Atlanta hockey. In Episode 9 of Peach State Puck, host Matteen Rad dives inside the Atlanta Gladiators’ major announcement and what it reveals about the organization’s attempt to reconnect with its history, its fans, and the hockey identity that helped define the franchise.

At the center of the episode is the Gladiators’ return to maroon, a move that represents much more than a uniform change. Matteen explores the history behind the team’s colors, the fan response that helped influence the decision, and why embracing the past could play an important role in building the Gladiators’ future. The conversation also examines the organization’s upcoming Hockey Heritage Weekend and its efforts to celebrate the larger history of professional hockey in Atlanta.

Through a conversation with Guy Chiarenza, the Gladiators’ broadcasting and communications director, listeners get an inside perspective on the thinking behind the announcement, the importance of listening to supporters, and the challenge of creating an identity that feels both fresh and familiar. The episode looks beyond logos and jerseys to explore how a professional sports organization builds a meaningful connection with the community it represents.

That conversation becomes even more significant as metro Atlanta finds itself at the center of renewed NHL speculation. With efforts underway to bring the league back to Georgia, Matteen examines what another NHL franchise could mean for the Gladiators, whether the two could coexist, and how increased attention on hockey could potentially strengthen the sport at every level across the region.

00:00 - Welcome Back to Peach State Puck

03:58 - Around Georgia Hockey

08:37 - The Gladiators’ Big Announcement

13:20 - Back to Maroon

18:48 - Rebuilding the Gladiators Identity

25:31 - Listening to the Fans

31:42 - Celebrating Atlanta Hockey History

38:17 - Hockey Heritage Weekend

44:36 - Growing Hockey in Atlanta

50:52 - What Would the NHL Mean?

56:41 - The Future of the Gladiators