ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Back on the ice

July 22, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, ID - From July 11 to July 16, the Steelheads AHL affiliate, the Iowa Stars, hosted its development camp in Frisco, Texas, as the organizations' top prospects hit the ice. The practice sessions at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter, home of the NHL's Dallas Stars, concluded with a scrimmage pitting the future of the Stars' franchise against one another. Seventeen of the organization's top 20 prospects were scheduled to attend the camp, including two first round picks and 11 second round picks from the last five NHL Entry Drafts.

Former Steelheads' forward David Bararuk and goaltender Dan Ellis, two key members of the Steelheads 2004 Kelly Cup Championship team, took part in the six-day camp. Bararuk, a fifth round selection in 2002, and Ellis, a second round pick back in 2000, are both property of the Dallas Stars.

"Development camps are crucial to clubs, because you get a chance to bring in your top prospects and see them in action at one time, in one place," Iowa Stars' Assistant General Manager Les Jackson said. "This group of young men signify the future of the franchise, so getting them all down here and working closely with them is among the most important things we can do. We're excited about the future and we're looking forward to the Iowa Stars beginning play this fall with a skilled, talented roster."

With 67 points in 125 regular season games at the professional level, Bararuk said he hoped that his play in the camp showed the organization that he is ready to play at the next level.

"I think we all go out there and you want to make an impression on the coaches and all the staff of the Dallas Stars," Bararuk said. "I don't know the [Iowa] coaches too well, so it was good to see them and let them know what I can do. I thought I played well and held my own."

Ellis, the 2004 Kelly Cup Finals MVP, said meeting as well as impressing the collective coaching staffs is important in trying to get to the NHL in the near future.

"It's important that you give a good showing and you leave it in their eyes that you're definitely a prospect that they want to have on their team," Ellis said. "Meeting the new Iowa people in terms of [head coach] Dave Allison, [assistant coach] Paul Jerrard and [director of hockey operations] Scott White and getting a chance to meet with them a little bit was nice to know them on a professional level. It might be a place where I end up playing, so it was nice to get to know them early."

Both Bararuk and Ellis have spent the majority of their careers in the AHL. And with the developmental camp drawing prospects from North American professional leagues, major junior leagues, NCAA Division I programs and the international ranks, the camp a great opportunity for each individual to showcase his talent.

"This was a chance to really see what a lot of the Europeans have in terms of their skill level, in terms of their commitment," the 25-year-old Ellis said. "[The camp's attendees] were a hard working group with a lot of skill. There is definitely some high-end talent and great defensive prospects as well."

In other hockey news, the NHL & NHLPA have officially ended the 300-plus day lockout, which cancelled the entire 2004-2005 season. Yesterday, the NHLPA ratified the new six-year agreement and today the owners voted unanimously to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced today.

"With the ratification of the CBA, let me be the first to welcome you to our new season," said Bettman, who confirmed that the 2005-06 season will begin October 5th with all 30 clubs in action.

"The greatness of hockey, and the NHL, is best measured by the character and commitment of our players. The greatness of our game is best reflected by the character and commitment of our fans. We appreciate the patience and the support they have shown through this difficult time. It's time our fans had some fun again, and our objective is to give them all they can handle."

Steelheads' season ticket packages for the 2005-2006 campaign are on sale now! You can purchase tickets by calling 208-383-0080. A variety of packages are available, including Full Season Tickets, Flex Plans, Suite Rentals, Group Outings and a NEW 12-pack weekend mini plan.

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