Cerrato Inks Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract with NHL’s Carolina HurricanesCerrato Inks Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract with NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes

Cerrato Inks Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract with NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Sophomore forward Charlie Cerrato (Fallston, Md.) became the 16th Nittany Lion in program history, fourth this year, to put pen to paper on an NHL contract as he signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the Carolina Hurricanes the club announced on Tuesday morning

Cerrato, who was drafted in the second round (49th-overall) in the 2025 NHL Draft, joined Carolina’s AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, on an ATO following the conclusion of the Nittany Lion season where he continued to rehab a late-season injury. Cerrato made his professional debut in the Wolves first Calder Cup playoff game back in April.

Cerrato joins teammates Aiden Fink (Nashville), Matt DiMarsico (Colorado) and Kevin Reidler (Ottawa) who also inked ELC’s following the conclusion of the season.

Arsenii Sergeev (Calgary), Alex Limoges (Washington), Aarne Talvitie (New Jersey), Peyton Jones (Colorado), Cole Hults (Los Angeles), Evan Barratt (Chicago), Nate Sucese (Arizona), Brandon Biro (Buffalo), Andrew Sturtz (Ottawa), Casey Bailey (Toronto), Eamon McAdam (New York Islanders) and Vince Pedrie (New York Rangers) also agreed to NHL contracts following their time at Penn State.

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“I’m extremely happy for Chuck and incredibly proud of his story; He was passed over twice in the NHL draft before arriving at Penn State, then after his freshman year got drafted by Carolina in the second round, and signed a contract after his sophomore season,” mentioned head coach Guy Gadowsky. “His extreme competitiveness will always be a part of Penn State Hockey and we look forward to seeing that in the NHL!”

Cerrato, a 2025 Big Ten All Freshman Team member, concludes his Nittany Lion career with the third-best points per game average all-time at 1.13 with 22 goals and 47 assists for 69 points in 61 games. As a freshman in 2024-25, Cerrato posted 42 points on 15 goals and 27 assists, the third-most points by a Nittany Lion rookie all-time.

This season, Cerrato battled injuries in the second half of the season appearing in just seven of 21 games since January and he still finished the season sixth in scoring with 27 points on seven goals and 20 assists in 23 games.

“I just want to say thank you to Penn State and Penn State Hockey,” mentioned Cerrato. “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program. The coaching staff has pushed me every day and helped me grow both on and off the ice. I appreciate all the time, support, and belief they’ve showed in me.”

“I’m also thankful for the boys. Being around this group means a lot. The friendships, hard work, and battles we go through together are something I’ll always remember. It’s a special locker room and I’m proud to be part of it. Thank you again to everyone who makes Penn State Hockey what it is. Penn State for life!” concluded Cerrato

Full Carolina Hurricanes Release

Penn State concluded its season with a loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the Albany Regional semifinals and a 21-14-2 overall record after advancing to its third NCAA Tournament in the past three seasons.