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ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Forward Mike Stutzel returns for 2005-2006 season

September 7, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, ID - The Idaho Steelheads, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Dallas Stars and AHL's Iowa Stars, announced today the signing of forward Mike Stutzel for the 2005-2006 season.

Stutzel, 26, scored 15 points, including eight goals, in 14 regular-season games with the Steelheads last season. In four playoff contests with the club, he tallied one goal. The 6'2", 215-lbs. power forward led the team in scoring over the final 10 regular-season games, compiling 12 points.

"Mike Stutzel likes Boise and he wants to be a part of this team," Steelheads' head coach and director of hockey operations, Derek Laxdal said, after inking the team's eighth player for the upcoming season. "He had a great experience here last year at the end of the season and during the playoffs. He was a guy that we looked at when we started putting our team together. He's a guy that wants to be here and that's key."

The Victoria, British Columbia native began last year with the Steelheads' former AHL affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies. In 52 regular-season games with the Grizzlies, Stutzel registered two assists and 16 penalty minutes. He was assigned to the Steelheads on March 15, 2005.

"When I came to Boise [last season], I was very down with everything that was happening in Utah," Stutzel said. "Being in Boise shot some life into me. As far as choosing an ECHL team, it was an easy choice. I definitely love the town. The end of last year rejuvenated my love for the game, even if it was just three weeks or a month that I was in Boise. I'm just looking forward to a fresh start and a good season."

A third-year pro, Stutzel has some NHL experience under his belt. In 2003-2004, he was held scoreless in nine regular-season games with the Phoenix Coyotes. He also played for the Springfield Falcons of the AHL that season, registering 24 points in 62 games. In four years at NCAA Division I Northern Michigan University, Stutzel totaled 92 points, highlighted by 27 goals and 42 points in his senior season (2002-2003).

Stutzel, whose only career ECHL action came last year with the Steelheads, will attend the Iowa Stars' training camp, which begins on September 24 in Des Moines, Iowa.

"He's definitely going to be a leader and one of those guys we are going to look to every night to score some big goals for us," Laxdal added. "He's going to be a first or second line left winger and we are looking for his leadership both on and off the ice."

The Steelheads open their third ECHL season at home on October 21 against the Long Beach Ice Dogs.

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 starting at just $169.

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