Sports stats



ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Grizzlies and Steelheads Team-Up for 2003-04 Season

August 19, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH - The Utah Grizzlies National Hockey League (NHL) affiliate, the Dallas Stars, announced that they have signed an affiliation agreement with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL for the 2003-04 season.

"The Utah Grizzlies are very excited to be affiliated with the Idaho Steelheads," said Grizzlies Director of Hockey Operations Brian Poile. "The overall quality of living and the facilities in Boise are among the finest in minor league hockey. We feel the amalgamation of the Steelhead's rich hockey history, fan base, first-class coach (John Oliver), and management team, as well as the proximity to Salt Lake, there is no better place for our prospects to develop in the ECHL."

The agreement provides for Dallas to assign up to seven (7) contracted players to the Steelheads. Several of which will see or have already seen time with the Grizzlies. Last season, Lexington served as the Grizzlies ECHL affiliate sitting over 1650 miles away from Salt Lake City. The Steelheads provide a much better geographical fit for Utah with just 340 miles separating the two clubs.

Idaho Head Coach John Oliver is impressed with the talent in the Stars system.

"Dallas and Utah will supply us with young talent that have NHL potential. These players will be motivated and highly skilled, and will be striving to climb the hockey ladder; first to AAA Utah, and ultimately to NHL Dallas. This higher level of intensity on the ice will bring a lot of excitement to our fans and allow them to follow these players careers as they move up."

The Grizzlies open the regular season on Friday, October 10th at the 'E' Center against the San Antonio Rampage. Season ticket packages are on sale beginning as low as $280.00. Call (801) 988-8000 for more information.

Check out the Utah Grizzlies Statistics

• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...

ECHL Stories from August 19, 2003


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