New Hampshire blueliner Pesce leaves early for Carolina deal

Brett Pesce (UNH – 22) will not be back for his senior season with New Hampshire after signing with Carolina on Friday (photo: Melissa Wade).

New Hampshire junior defenseman Brett Pesce signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, giving up his senior season with the Wildcats.

“Brett has been a tremendous asset to our hockey program both on and off the ice,” said UNH coach Dick Umile in a statement. “We all wish him nothing but the best as his career moves forward.”

Pesce, who was originally drafted by Carolina in the third round (66th overall) in the 2013 NHL draft, recorded three goals and 13 assists for 16 points in 31 games in 2014-15.

In 110 career games as a UNH Wildcat, he compiled 43 points on 11 goals and 32 assists.