Nightingale returns for his second season with the Checkers after suiting up in 65 games for the team last season. During that time, he managed three goals, 11 assists for 14 points with a team-leading 196 penalty minutes. He received two call-ups to the American Hockey League dressing in two games for the Hartford Wolf Pack and five with the Chicago Wolves but didn't manage a point during those games. The 6-foot-3, 205 pound, Michigan State University product won a Kelly Cup Championship with the Idaho Steelheads in 2007 but didn't dress in the playoffs due to an injury.

"I had a great season and I really enjoyed being in the city of Charlotte," said Nightingale. "We have a terrific owner and coaching staff and I know we're putting together a pretty good team so, I can't wait to get back."

Brouillette, a 5-foot-11, 185 pound blueliner started his pro campaign last year with the Columbia Inferno. He appeared in 67 games while scoring six goals and 11 assists for 17 points with 55 penalty minutes. He added four assists in 13 playoff games. Brouillette spent four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Chicoutimi Saguenees playing in 227 games garnering 27 goals and 96 assists for 123 points with 206 penalty minutes.