Local Products Cucci, Motherwell Join the Express
December 7, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Chicago Express News Release
Hoffman Estates, IL - The Chicago Express, proud member of the ECHL and proud affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, announced today that they have signed center Joe Cucci and defenseman Brett Motherwell, both of whom hail from the Chicagoland area. Chicago has also lost the services of both G Rob Nolan, who was loaned to Houston (AHL), as well as D Dan Henningson, who was loaned to Wilkes-Barre Scranton (AHL).
Cucci, 25, is entering his rookie season following a four-year career at Merrimack College (NCAA).
During his time at Merrimack, the 5-10, 190 pound center played in 122 games, scoring 32 goals and 55 assists for 87 points. During his senior season in 2010-11, Cucci tallied 14 goals along with 22 assists for 36 points in 38 games. The Melrose Park, IL, native finished third on the team in assists and points that season, and was tied for third in goals. Fellow Merrimack teammate Chris Barton is currently leading Wheeling in points, with 23 in 19 games. Cucci played two games with South Carolina (ECHL) at the end of last season, and also appeared in one playoff game picking up two PIM.
Motherwell, 25, is heading into his fifth professional season, all of which have included time in the American Hockey League. Last season, Motherwell played 60 games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers earning four goals and 14 assists for 18 points. The St. Charles, IL, native played 48 regular season games for the Cincinnati Cylcones (ECHL) in 2009-10 scoring 28 points (2g, 26a), and helped the Cyclones win the Kelly Cup that season while scoring 11 points (1g, 10a) in 18 playoff contests. Motherwell's professional career includes 177 games in the AHL and ECHL, with 71 points (8g, 63a).
Prior to turning pro, the 5-11, 194 pound defenseman spent two seasons at Boston College, scoring six goals and adding 41 assists in 76 games. Motherwell was also part of the Hockey East Championship Eagles team in 2006-07. He skated two seasons in the USHL before going to Boston College, and his 33 assists paced all defensemen in 2004-05, the season in which he was named the USHL Defenseman of the Year.
"I must have been a good boy this year, since Santa came early," said head coach Steve Martinson. "Brett is a top defenseman, and is solid both offensively and defensively. He brings championship experience with him. Joe, as a right-handed shooter and a skilled center, is a big bonus for us as well."
Nolan has been loaned to the Houston Aeros, his second time in the AHL this season, as he was loaned to the San Antonio Rampage on November 19. Nolan has not yet appeared in an AHL game, and has collected .901 save percentage, 2.87 GAA, and a 6-5-1-0 record in the ECHL this year.
Defenseman Dan Henningson has been loaned to the AHL's Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. It is Henningson's first call-up to the AHL this year, and the first time he has played in the AHL since appearing in 10 games with the Lake Erie Monsters and earning one assist in 2008-09. The 6-1, 190 pound defenseman has played 18 games with the Express this year, scoring one goal and adding two assists along with eight PIM and a +4 rating.
The Express return home to battle the Kalamazoo Wings at the Sears Centre Arena on Wednesday, December 7, and Friday, December 9.
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