Crunch sign Neilson, Nightingale

The Syracuse Crunch have signed right wing Eric Neilson and defenseman Jared Nightingale each to a one-year AHL contract, Crunch general manager Julien BriseBois announced.

Neilson, 27, played in 47 games with the Calder Cup champion Norfolk Admirals in 2011-12, recording one goal and 74 penalty minutes. The Fredericton, N.B., native has appeared in 186 AHL games with Peoria, Hamilton, San Antonio and Norfolk, totaling 12 points (6g, 6a) and 560 penalty minutes.

Neilson was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round, 143rd overall, of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. He is a three-time team winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the year award (Peoria 2008-09, Hamilton 2009-10 and San Antonio 2010-11).

Nightingale, 29, most recently played for the Connecticut Whale collecting 10 points (1g, 9a) and 110 penalty minutes in 67 regular-season games during the 2011-12 season. The blueliner has appeared in 264 AHL contests with Connecticut/Hartford, Chicago, Iowa and Springfield and totaled 38 points (11g, 27a) and 619 penalty minutes.

A native of Jackson, Mich., Nightingale also played four years for Michigan State University where he totaled 23 points (2g, 21a) in 156 career NCAA games.