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ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Neal Heads To AHL As Former 'Head Is Recalled To NHL

January 8, 2010 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


(Boise, ID) - Idaho Steelheads head coach Derek Laxdal announced Friday that rookie forward Michael Neal has been recalled from Idaho by the AHL's Texas Stars.

Neal won't have to travel far to meet up with his new squad - while the Steelheads are playing in Victoria, BC, this weekend, the Stars are playing in nearby Abbotsford, BC.

"We're glad to see Michael get an opportunity to show Texas how he has improved as a player." Laxdal said. "They sent him to us at the beginning of the season to get ice time and improve, and we think he has done just that. It's what affiliations are all about."

Idaho is the ECHL affiliate of the AHL's Stars and the Dallas Stars of the NHL. The recall of Neal happened when Dallas recalled former Steelhead Warren Peters from Texas.

The 20-year-old Neal has appeared in 32 games with Idaho, totaling 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) and 25 penalty minutes. He was a 5th-round draft pick of the NHL's Dallas Stars in 2007 and is the younger brother of budding NHL star James Neal.

With Neal's recall, that makes eight members of Idaho's opening-day roster that have been recalled to the American Hockey League this season: Neal, Mathieu Tousignant, Mark Derlago, Ashton Rome, Mark McCutcheon, Tyler Spurgeon, Richard Bachman, and Rejean Beauchemin. Tousignant, Rome, and Spurgeon, who have combined for 21 goals and 39 assists with Idaho, are still playing in the AHL.

Idaho (23-9-2) plays Friday and Saturday night in Victoria against the Salmon Kings (18-14-3).

The Steelheads return home on Wednesday, January 13, to host the Utah Grizzlies. Tickets are available at the Qwest Arena box office or by calling 208.331.TIXS. Group outings are a great way to get friends, family, co-workers, or colleagues together to enjoy a night out at great savings over walk-up ticket prices. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.

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