Idaho acquires Matt Zabo from the New York Rangers
Published on January 11, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release
BOISE, Idaho¾The Idaho Steelheads today announced several goaltending transactions, including the acquisition of Matt Zaba.
Idaho's American Hockey League affiliate, the Iowa Stars, loaned Phil Sauve to the Steelheads following Steve Silverthorn's recall to Iowa earlier this week. However, Sauve refused to report to Idaho. He was supposed to play in tonight's game with the Steelheads in Utah. The 6-0, 190-pound goaltender was drafted in the second round (38th overall) of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche and made his NHL debut with Colorado on October 18, 2003 where he made 19 saves in a 6-3 loss at Edmonton. The 27-year-old was also named MVP of the NHL Young Stars Game during NHL All Star Weekend in 2004 and was soon traded by Colorado to the Calgary Flames before becoming a free agent and Iowa property this season. Phil Sauve is the son of former NHL goaltender Bob Sauve.
Head Coach Derek Laxdal began a search for a permanent second netminder and today acquired Matt Zaba from the New York Rangers. Zaba, who was on a two-way NHL/AHL contract had been playing with the ECHL's Charlotte Checkers. Today the Rangers reassigned him to it's AHL affiliate Hartford Whalers, who then reassigned him to Idaho.
Laxdal said today, "We consider ourselves lucky to get Matt today. With Silverthorn in Iowa for what's expected to be the rest of the season, we're grateful to find someone of Matt's caliber especially this time of the year. Other teams were vying for Matt and I'm glad we were able to work something out with the Rangers and Checkers to bring him to Idaho."
Zaba, 24, was drafted in the 8th round, #231 overall, by Los Angeles in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. He appeared in 9 games with Charlotte this season and has a 3.62 goals-against average, .861 save percentage and a 3-4-1 record. The 6-0, 185-pound goaltender played four seasons with Colorado College prior to turning pro. Zaba will be dressed for Saturday night's game in Utah.
Also, emergency backup goaltender T.R. Kirkman who was on the bench for Idaho Wednesday night was released and Jay Stevens was signed in Utah and will be on the bench for tonight's game.
The Steelheads return home for two games against the Alaska Aces next weekend. Tickets can be purchased via www.idahosteelheads.com (using the print-at-home feature), by calling 331-TIXS or from the Qwest Arena box office.
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