Descoteaux, Reilly added to Fuel roster

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indy Fuel, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs, announced that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Nolan Descoteaux and rookie forward Connor Reilly for the 2017-18 season. Descoteaux brings over 170 games of professional experience to the Fuel blue line, while Reilly looks to make his ECHL debut after completing his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota.

Descoteaux appeared in 60 games with the Alaska Aces in 2016-17, posting 30 points (10g-20a) and setting career-high marks in all offensive categories. The 27-year-old led all Aces' defensemen in goals, after joining the team via an early-season trade from the Allen Americans.

Entering his fourth professional season, Descoteaux has recorded 58 points (15g-43a) and 100 penalty minutes over 173 career ECHL games with Alaska, Allen, Missouri, Atlanta and Rapid City. In 2014-15, the Dallas native saw action in 58 games as a rookie with the Americans, helping the club to its first of two consecutive Kelly Cup titles. A graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, Descoteaux finished his college career with 35 points (12g-23a) over 139 total games with the Tigers.

Reilly arrives in Indianapolis after posting 56 points (24g-32a) over 129 total contests with Minnesota. The 25-year-old served as an alternate captain during his final two seasons with the Golden Gophers, while leading his team to the Big Ten regular-season championship in each of his four years at school.

A native of Chanhassen, Minn., Reilly played alongside former Fuel defensemen Justin Holl and Ben Marshall while in Minneapolis, in addition to his brothers Mike and Ryan. Prior to his college career, Reilly played a season with Penticton in the British Columbia Hockey League, earning league Second All-Star Team honors en route to helping the Vees to BCHL regular season and playoff titles.