By Matthew Weidler
This year’s NHL playoffs has some local flavor, with Irvington alum Brett Pesce’s Carolina Hurricanes competing in the race to win the Stanley Cup.
They are currently in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning. In the playoffs so far he has had five points in 10 games, including an impressive slap shot goal from distance (see video).
Pesce has had a “career year” this year as he had helped led the Hurricanes to the best record in the Atlantic Division, the third best record in all of hockey. He put up 21 Assists, 25 points, and a +14 +/-.
Although he is not a finalist for the award, many people thought Pesce was a potential candidate for the Norris trophy award, awarded to the best defensive player in the NHL. Pesce and line partner Jake Bean have helped the Hurricanes get to where they are right now, so the respect he is getting around the league is well deserved.
Pesce, 26, was drafted with the 66th pick in the 2013 NHL draft by the Hurricanes, and has played six seasons with the team. Pesce has been a solid NHL player his whole career, but has really elevated his play to the level of a star over the past few years. He played his college hockey at the University of New Hampshire.
Pesce was rewarded for his high level of play as he is currently in the third year of a six year, $4.025 million per year contract. He signed this deal back after the 2017 season for a total of $24.15 million.
