ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Bittner Lost For Season

February 23, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, ID - The Idaho Steelheads announced today that center J.B. Bittner has been recalled to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Iowa Stars, and in a separate transaction, the Stars have sent Bittner to the Augusta Lynx of the ECHL.

These roster moves come after the Dallas Stars, the Steelheads' National Hockey League affiliate, announced that they have acquired Shane Endicott from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for future considerations. Endicott, a 25-year-old center with 45 games of NHL experience, was then subsequently reassigned to Iowa.

Bittner, who began the 2006-2007 season with the Lynx, collected 10 points in 12 games with the Steelheads, including three points in Monday's 5-4 win over the Utah Grizzlies. In 42 ECHL games with the Steelheads and the Lynx this season, the Pittsburgh, PA native has 40 points (17g, 23a). The second-year pro went scoreless in seven AHL games this year, splitting time with the Portland Pirates and the Stars.

"The loss of J.B. Bittner is tough for our hockey club, as he has fit well with the guys for the limited time we had him," Steelheads' head coach Derek Laxdal said. "He was just starting to feel comfortable on the ice with all the travel he has done over the last month and a half. Our team has faced adversity all year, and this will be no different."

Tickets are still available for the Steelheads' two-game set against the Grizzlies and can be purchased via www.idahosteelheads.com (using the all-new, print-at-home feature), by calling 331-TIXS or from the Qwest Arena box office. The puck drops at 7:10 p.m. MST for both games.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics



ECHL Stories from February 23, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central