SHREWSBURY, N.J. – The ECHL on Wednesday announced Ghost Pirates defenseman Dennis Cesana has been named to the 2024-25 Eastern Conference Midseason All-Star Team.
Cesana, 26, has set career highs at the professional level with 11 goals, 24 assists and 35 points through 35 ECHL appearances with Savannah this season. The North Providence, RI, native has suited up for 80 AHL games (one goal, 13 assists) with the Charlotte Checkers following a four-year stint at Michigan State University.
"It’s been a great time in Savannah; we have a great group of guys in the locker room and on the staff," Cesana said. "I heard a lot about the fanbase before I came here and Enmarket is always packed for our games. The fans have been a treat to play in front of."
Cesana currently ranks third in goals, second in assists and second in points among all Ghost Pirates players.
“What has stood out for me the most has been working with him in two years in Charlotte and seeing how he has developed,” Ghost Pirates Head Coach Jared Staal said. “He embraced everything about coming to Savannah; he’s taken over games single-handedly and he has earned this recognition by being a huge part of our team.”
Before being recalled by Charlotte on January 16, Cesana had recorded five points in his last five games with the Ghost Pirates.
“My most-improved aspect has been my ability to be a consistent player every day in practice and games,” Cesana said. “Coming from college where you only play games on the weekends, it’s a bit of an adjustment at first getting used to the hectic pro schedule.”
In addition to his offensive play, Cesana also currently leads Savannah in plus-minus, topping the club with a plus-18 rating.
“He’s definitely a leader,” Staal said. “He may not wear a letter, but he leads by example and our guys look to him in every situation. Dennis does things the right way and he gets rewarded for it.”
As a part of the All-Star selection, DASH - the Official Mobile Auction Platform of the ECHL - will auction off each player’s jersey. The auction is now live and will run through Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. ET. Visit the links below to place your bids.
ECHL Eastern Conference All-Star Jersey Auction
ECHL Western Conference All-Star Jersey Auction
The full roster for the ECHL All-Stars can be found here. It was determined in a vote of coaches, team captains, media relations directors and broadcasters. The coaches were determined by the team with the highest points percentage in each conference through games of Jan. 5, 2025.
—GHOST PIRATES—
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers