Stars sign one-year affiliation extension with Idaho Steelheads
June 14, 2006 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Chops News Release
DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Stars have announced today that their NHL affiliate, the Dallas Stars, have signed a one-year extension to their affiliate agreement with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. The Boise-based team captured the ECHL's Kelly Cup as the Dallas Stars affiliate during their 2003-04 inaugural season.
"We are pleased to continue our affiliation with Idaho and we are expecting continued success for the Steelheads," Dallas Stars General Manager Doug Armstrong said. "Idaho has done an excellent job as a development affiliate for the Dallas Stars, and together with Iowa in the American Hockey league, we should continue to have a solid, coordinated partnership."
"With the extension of our affiliation with Idaho, we know that the Steelheads will continue to provide depth for Iowa in the upcoming season", remarked Iowa Stars Director of Hockey Operations, Scott White. "During Iowa's 2005-06 inaugural season there was no less then 10 players suited-up for both Iowa and Idaho". Those players included defensemen Brian Fahey and Mike Gabinet, and forwards D'Arcy McConvey and playoff-sparkplug, Dan Hacker.
Idaho Steelheads Head Coach Derek Laxdal said, "The Idaho Steelheads are confident that the affiliation agreement between the Dallas Stars/Iowa Stars will continue to grow and be one of the best development programs to offer at the 'AA' level. Players signing in Boise will have the opportunity to advance to the AHL/NHL levels, as last year's Dan Hacker has already done for the upcoming season. Dallas is a respected leader in the NHL and Des Moines, Iowa has become one of the best AHL cities in the league! We look forward to more championship seasons throughout this affiliation"!
Considered the premier "AA" hockey league in North America, the ECHL has affiliations with 23 of the 30 teams in the National Hockey League. Additionally, the ECHL has affiliations with 23 of the 27 teams in the American Hockey League, creating a true minor league system where players can be promoted within the given parent organization.
The Iowa Stars posted a record of 41-31-1-7, reaching the Calder Cup Playoffs in their first season. Iowa lost in seven games to the eventual Western Conference champion Milwaukee Admirals.
The Idaho Steelheads play at the 5,000-seat Qwest Arena, which opened in downtown Boise in 1997. The club registered a 43-21-8 record last season. Idaho reached the ECHL's Western Conference Semifinals in 2005-06 before falling in seven games to the Las Vegas Wranglers. During a one-year hiatus from their affiliation with Dallas, Idaho served as an affiliate of the NHL Phoenix Coyotes and AHL Utah Grizzlies in 2004-2005.
STARS INFO: The Iowa Stars will host games on Saturday, October 21st, Friday, October 27th, Friday, November 10th, Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 18th. Opponents and game times have yet to be determined. The AHL's complete 2006-2007 schedule will be announced in the coming months. Season ticket packages are on sale now at the Stars office, located at 833 5th Avenue in Downtown Des Moines. Full season packages begin at only $336, with 12-game mini-plans starting at just $168. Discounted group tickets are available for all five home dates. For more information, please contact an Iowa Stars ticket representative at 515-23-STARS or by visit iowastarshockey.com.
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American Hockey League Stories from June 14, 2006
- Travis Richards announces retirement after 10 seasons in Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Stars sign one-year affiliation extension with Idaho Steelheads - Iowa Chops
- Wolf Pack Sign Forward Zdenek Bahensky - Connecticut Whale
- Craig Berube named head coach of Phantoms - Adirondack Phantoms
- Canucks acquire right wing Tommi Santala - Manitoba Moose
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- Ak-Sar-Ben Knights To Hold NHL Draft Day Party At Dave And Busters - Abbotsford Heat
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- Admirals Welcome Back Mark Bernard as Assistant General Manager - Norfolk Admirals
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