“Brett is a big, puck-moving defenseman, and we felt it was time for him to begin his professional career,” said Francis. “He will report to Charlotte next week so that he can play some AHL games this season.”

Pesce, 20, completed his junior season at the University of New Hampshire in 2014-15, ranking second among Wildcats defenseman with 16 points (3g, 13a) and a plus-12 rating in 30 games. The Tarrytown, NY, native led New Hampshire defensemen in assists (13) and ranked tied for third among all Wildcats skaters in plus/minus (+12).

Selected by the Hurricanes in the third round, 66th overall, of the 2013 NHL Draft, Pesce (6’3”, 200 lbs.) completes his collegiate career with 43 points (11g, 32a) and 48 penalty minutes in 109 games with New Hampshire. Prior to his college career, Pesce played one season with the Jersey Hitmen of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL), and also spent time with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP), representing the U.S. at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Tournament.