Fuel add Johnson, Cortese

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indy Fuel, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, announced the signings of forward Matt Johnson and defenseman Anthony Cortese for the 2017-18 season. Johnson is coming off of his rookie season with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, while Cortese is looking to make his professional debut.

Johnson recorded 16 points (6g-10a) over 43 games with the Swamp Rabbits last year. The 26-year-old began his pro career during a six-game stint with Greenville at the end of the 2015-16 season, after his departure from Lake Superior State University.

During three seasons with the Lakers, Johnson saw action in 93 games, recording 18 points (4g-14a) and 93 penalty minutes. The native of Clinton Township, Mich. is a three-year product of the North American Hockey League, where he spent time with the Albert Lea Thunder and Amarillo Bulls.

Cortese comes to Indianapolis after two seasons with Concordia University (CIS) in Montreal, where he tallied 36 points (3g-23a) in 55 total contests. The 23-year-old led all Stingers defensemen last season with 18 points (1g-17a) in 28 games.

Prior to going to school, Cortese spent the 2014-15 season with the NAHL’s Corpus Christi Ice Rays, where he was the league’s top scoring defenseman after posting 51 points (13g-38a) in 59 contests. The native of Pierrefonds, Quebec spent parts of three seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Charlottetown Islanders, Prince Edward Island Rocket and Gatineau Olympiques, compiling 63 points (16g-47a) in 170 total games.