Wideman, Saracino share AMI Graphics/ECHL Plus Performer of the Month

Cincinnati Cyclones’ forward Alex Wideman and Wheeling Nailers’ forward Nick Saracino are the co-recipients of the AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performer of the Month for December after sharing the league with a plus-minus rating of +16.

Wideman posted an even or better rating in each of his 12 games in December, including a +3 on Dec. 31 against Toledo and a +2 on six other occasions.

The 27-year-old is second in the ECHL with a +23 rating and has 32 points (9g-23a) in 28 games this season. A native of St. Louis, Wideman has recorded 174 points (62g-112a) in 209 career ECHL games with Cincinnati, Indy and Evansville.

Prior to turning pro, Wideman tallied 56 points (24g-32a) in 140 career games at Miami University.

Saracino posted an even or better rating in each of his 11 games during the month, and was a +3 on Dec. 9 against Indy, Dec. 15 against Norfolk and Dec. 22 at Norfolk.

The 26-year-old leads the Nailers with a +17 rating, 17 goals and 34 points in 27 games this season. He also has appeared in four games with Binghamton of the American Hockey League. A native of St. Louis, Saracino has 74 points (29g-45a) in 88 career ECHL games with Wheeling and Worcester and eight points (3g-5a) in 44 career AHL games with Binghamton and Iowa.

Prior to turning pro, Saracino recorded 116 points (46g-70a) in 145 career games at Providence College.

In recognition of their accomplishment, AMI Graphics will present Alex Wideman and Nick Saracino with a personalized Plus Performer of the Month Banner during an on-ice ceremony at an upcoming home game.

Runner Up: Keegan Kanzig, Idaho (+15).

Top Plus Performer(s) for Each Club: Adirondack - Kevin Lough (+7); Allen - Adam Miller (+2); Atlanta - Zach Malatesta and Jared Ross (+4); Brampton - Austin McEneny (+5); Florida - Derek Sheppard (+11); Fort Wayne - Alexander Kuqali (+8); Greenville - Thomas Ebbing (+7); Indy - Alex Brooks (+9); Jacksonville - Wacey Rabbit (+6); Kalamazoo - Reid Gardiner and Ben Wilson (+11); Kansas City - Mike Panowyk (+6); Maine - Justin Breton and Alex Kile (+6); Manchester - Chris Carlisle and Pavel Jenys (+4); Newfoundland - Matt Bradley (+4); Norfolk - Kelly Klima (+4); Orlando - Matthew Spencer (+5); Rapid City - Cedric Montminy (+4); Reading - Chris McCarthy (+11); South Carolina - Tim Davison (+4); Toledo - Kevin Tansey (+11); Tulsa - Ryan Tesink (+5); Utah - Taylor Richart (+9); Wichita - Marc-Olivier Crevier-Morin (+9) and Worcester - Tyler Barnes (+5).