ECHL Idaho Steelheads

"Special" week ahead for playoff-bound Steelheads

March 19, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, Idaho - Coming off a playoff-clinching road trip, the Idaho Steelheads face perhaps the toughest opponent in the ECHL this week as the Alaska Aces pay a visit to Qwest Arena. The reigning Kelly Cup Champions, who have held a first place spot in the league for much of 2006-07, are making their one and only visit this season to Idaho for the three-game home stand.

Though Idaho has secured a post-season spot, the team now has its sites set on attaining home ice advantage. To get that, the Steelheads need to hold a fourth or better seeding in the National Conference. This year, the two top teams in each division are guaranteed playoff spots, then the next best six teams qualify. The top four teams in each division will get home ice. Currently, the Steelheads are in fourth place, but only three points ahead of Fresno. The old system allowed the top four teams in each division to qualify.

Upcoming

- Wed., 3/21: Idaho vs Alaska @ 7:00pm

- Fri., 3/23: Idaho vs Alaska @ 7:00pm

- Sat., 3/24: Idaho vs Alaska @ 7:00pm

"Special" Welcome (Wednesday)

Be the first to see! The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games has chosen to unveil the official global logo to the public at the Steelheads game Wednesday night. The logo will be the global identifying mark for the international multi-sport event, which will unite nearly 3,000 athletes from 85 countries. This event, promising to be the largest held in Idaho, is expected to operate on a $25 million budget and infuse about $45 million into the economy of the State of Idaho. Qwest Arena will be the host of several events.

Gold's Gym Be Hip Get Fit Play Hockey (Friday)

Idaho Steelheads and Gold's Gym are on a mission to show children how to get fit and have fun. Players visit area schools with a program called "Be Hip Get Fit Play Hockey" and the program will be highlighted at Friday's game. Obesity in children is a growing problem that leads to many physical and psychological problems later in life. The Be Hip Get Fit Play Hockey program encourages children to eat well and live well by increasing nutrition and activity levels. In addition to educating children about fitness and nutrition, Steelheads players show kids how to play hockey and engage them in a floor hockey game.

Guns 'n Hoses (Saturday)

The Fire Fighters and the Police will battle for charity during the annual Guns n' Hoses hockey game. The matinee event begins at 4:00 pm and entrance is free with a ticket to Saturday's Steelheads game. Donations will be accepted at the door.

Reel Rewind

- Wed., 3/14: Idaho @ Stockton W4-3

- Fri., 3/16: Idaho @ Stockton L2-3

- Sat., 3/17 Idaho @ Fresno W5-2

- Sun., 3/18 Idaho @ Stockton L2-4

Individual Notes

Tuomas Mikkonen has at least one goal in five of the last seven games, totaling seven tallies over that span

B.J. Crombeen has four points in his first four games this season

Derek Nesbitt is on a five-game scoring streak (3g, 5a), while posting a career-high, 71 points so far this season

Team Notes

Steelheads are 5-15-0-2 when scoring less than three goals in a game

Steelheads have scored at least one power play goal in 19 of their last 27 games, going 13-4-1-1 in those games

Steelheads are 5-4-0-1 in their last 10 road games

Recent Transactions

3/14 Add B.J. Crombeen, RW

3/13 Del Lance Galbraith, F loaned to Bridgeport (AHL)

3/11 Del Colin Shields, F placed on the 7-day IR

3/09 Del Justin Johnson, RW traded to Alaska

3/07 Add Alexander Naurov, F assigned by Dallas (NHL)

3/07 Add Matt Nickerson, F assigned by Iowa (AHL)

3/07 Del Charlie Johnson, F placed on the 3-day IR

3/02 Add Justin Johnson, F signed contract, 3/02

2/24 Del J.B. Bittner, F recalled to Iowa (AHL)

Team Practice

All practices are open to the media and public. The team will practice at Qwest Arena at 11:00 am on Tuesday, and 10:00 am Wednesday-Saturday this week.

Star Gazing

Idaho's American Hockey League and National Hockey League affiliates reports:

AHL Iowa Stars = 34-29-3-1, 72 points; 5th place West Division

NHL Dallas Stars = 43-24-5, 91 points; 3rd place Pacific Division

Rooster Call

After being loaned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League on March 13th, fan favorite, Lance Galbraith has appeared in four games, tallied one assist and five penalty minutes.

Listen Up

Join "Voice of the Steelheads," Joe O'Donnell, on 1350 KTIK The Ticket every Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for the Bud Light Sports Talk Show. Stay tuned on game nights as Joe will bring fans play-by-play live action for all 72 games; Rink-side reporters Mark Broz and John MacMillan join Joe for home games. Games can be heard via the Internet through the Steelheads website at www.idahosteelheads.com. Games can also be watched live through a Webcast ($6 per view) - link also available from the Steelheads Website. CableOne Channel 17 will broadcast Friday games live and air all other games delayed the following day at 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

Be There

Steelheads' ticket packages for the Tenth Anniversary 2006-07 regular season are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling 208.383.0080. A variety of packages are available, including Full Season Tickets, Flex Plans, Suite Rentals, Group Outings, and a Perfect-10 Season Mini. Call for your customized Good Times package!

Print From Home

New this year! Fans who wish to purchase individual game tickets can select their seats online at www.idahosteelheads.com and print their tickets from the comforts of their home.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics



ECHL Stories from March 19, 2007


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