Martell, Cecere return to Aces' defense corps

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - The Alaska Aces, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks and the AHL's Utica Comets, have signed defensemen Brandon Martell and Nick Cecere for the 2016-17 season.

Martell, 27, joined the Aces from the Wichita Thunder late last season. The native of Andover, Minn. played 15 games with Alaska, scoring three points (1g-2a) along with 19 penalty minutes. In addition to the Aces and Thunder, Martell has also skated in the ECHL for Kalamazoo, Rapid City and Evansville.

Cecere, 25, was signed by the Aces late last season after he completed his eligibility at Niagara University. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, he played in 12 games for Alaska, recording one assist with nine penalty minutes.