The hockey community is mourning the death of Cam Brown, a former Gwinnett Gladiators captain and ECHL Hall of Famer, who passed away at the age of 56 following an apparent motorcycle accident.
Friends confirmed his death on Sunday, leaving fans, teammates, and colleagues devastated by the loss of one of the sport’s most respected figures.
When the newly established Gwinnett Gladiators ice hockey team needed a leader in 2003, Brown came out of retirement to join the Duluth-based franchise.
His return brought experience, passion, and heart to a team that had just relocated from Mobile, Alabama.
Over the next three seasons, he helped shape the Gladiators’ identity—leading the team to a Kelly Cup runner-up finish and becoming a fan favorite for his determination and sportsmanship.
Cam Brown’s name remains synonymous with the foundation of the Gladiators franchise, now known as the Atlanta Gladiators.
He holds the distinction of scoring the first goal in team history, and his No. 44 jersey is one of only three ever retired by the organization.
Brown also stands alone as the only Gladiator player inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame.
Former head coach Jeff Pyle once described Brown as the “perfect human being to build a team around,” praising his character both on and off the ice.
“You’re not going to get a better person. He’s the same in the community as he is in the locker room — a man of integrity and class,” Pyle said.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Brown began his journey in junior hockey with the Weyburn Red Wings and the Brandon Wheat Kings before moving into professional leagues.
Over a 15-year career, he became one of the most durable and well-respected players in ECHL history.
He played 789 games in the league—setting the all-time record at the time—scoring 206 goals and 293 assists, for a total of 499 points.
Known for his toughness, Brown also led the league with 2,425 penalty minutes, symbolizing his old-school approach to the sport.
Despite his reputation as an enforcer, Brown’s influence extended far beyond his physical play.
He served as a mentor and role model to younger players, earning admiration for his leadership and work ethic.
“RIP Cam! I will always cherish the memories of you taking me under your wing as a young wannabe 20-year-old tough guy in Gwinnett,” former teammate Myles Stoesz shared. “You were a legend, my friend.”
After retiring from professional hockey, Brown remained connected to the Gladiators as a volunteer assistant coach and stayed in the Gwinnett area with his family.
He is survived by his two children, daughter Rhyan and son Logan, who played high school football at Collins Hill.
Former Gladiators president and general manager Steve Chapman, now an executive with the St. Louis Blues, reflected on Brown’s legacy: “Good man, good father. That’s who Cam was. His character spoke louder than his stats.”
Cam Brown’s contribution to the ECHL remains monumental. As former league commissioner Pat Kelly noted, Brown was “an ambassador” for the sport — a player who helped build the league’s foundation through his dedication, professionalism, and community spirit.
“Brownie couldn’t be anything other than old school,” Pyle once said.
“That’s the kind of class and character you hope to instill in your players and your kids. He laid it all on the line every day.”
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The ECHL and the Atlanta Gladiators community continue to honor his memory, celebrating the legacy of a player who gave everything to the sport he loved.
