Nielsen & Estephan Ink AHL ATO’s
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club would like to congratulate forward Giorgio Estephan and defenseman Andrew Nielsen on signing Amateur Try Outs in the American Hockey League.
Nielsen, who was drafted 65th overall in the third round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, inked his ATO with the Maple Leafs affiliate the Toronto Marlies. Nielsen signed a three-year entry level contract with the Leafs back in November.
The 19-year-old rearguard had a career season with the Hurricanes during the 2015-2016 season collecting 70 points (18g-52a) in 71 games along with 122 penalty minutes and a plus-30 rating. Nielsen was just the third defenseman in Hurricanes history to reach the 70-point mark joining Darcy Werenka and Shane Peacock as the others. Nielsen was named a WHL’s Eastern Conference First Team All-Star.
Estephan, who was drafted 152nd overall in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, signed an ATO with the Sabres affiliate the Rochester Americans. Estephan, despite missing 13 games due injury, had a career year in 2015-2016 scoring 74 points (30g-44a) in 59 games along with 12 penalty minutes and a plus-26. Estephan was tied for the team-leading with four points in the 2016 WHL Playoffs.
The Hurricanes would like to wish both Nielsen and Estephan the best of luck in their time in the American Hockey League.
