Steelheads Drop Series Opener 3-2 to Admirals
Published on March 4, 2026 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release
NORFOLK, VA - The Idaho Steelheads (34-17-4-0) fell to the Norfolk Admirals (21-29-2-0) 3-2 on Wednesday night inside Norfolk Scope Arena. The Steelheads and Admirals will continue their three-game set on Friday, with puck drop is set for 5:05 p.m. MST.
After a scoreless first period, the Admirals struck fast and early in the middle frame on an odd man rush, with Grant Hebert feeding Brady Fleurent in front for his 22nd tally of the season just 2:04 into the period.
Two minutes later, Mason Nevers knotted the contest up for the Steelheads as Kaleb Pearson corralled a loose puck and fed Nevers who one-timed it past Norfolk goaltender Ian Poulter for a power play goal.
Shortly after, Brody Crane collected a puck off an end-board bounce and fired it home from the left circle to give the Admirals the lead again just over one minute after Nevers' equalizer.
In the third period, Nevers lit the lamp again for his second of the game and sixth of the season after receiving a cross-ice pass from Grant Silianoff and picking the far corner past Poulter to tie the game 2-2.
The comeback wasn't meant to be, however, as with under two minutes remaining in regulation Norfolk found one final go-ahead goal when Brandon Osmundson deposited the puck past Kraws from just outside the crease to lift the Admirals to an eventual 3-2 win.
Idaho's Ben Kraws made 24 saves on 27 shots in the loss, while Norfolk's Ian Poulter saved 25 of 27 shots and collected the win.
ICCU THREE STARS
1) Brandon Osmundson (NOR, 1-1-2, +1, 3 shots, GWG)
2) Isaac Poulter (NOR, 25 saves, win)
3) Brady Fleurent (NOR, 1-1-2, +1, 2 shots)
ECHL Stories from March 4, 2026
- Thunder Opens Week with Loss at Indy, 3-2 - Wichita Thunder
- Steelheads Drop Series Opener 3-2 to Admirals - Idaho Steelheads
- Knight Monsters Add Defenseman Tucker Ness - Tahoe Knight Monsters
- Syracuse Crunch Sign Jon Gillies to AHL Contract - Orlando Solar Bears
- Utah's Connors Named Howies Hockey Tape/ECHL Rookie of the Month - ECHL
- Grizzlies Forward Reilly Connors Named Howies Hockey Tape ECHL Rookie of the Month - Utah Grizzlies
- South Carolina Announces Trio of Roster Moves - South Carolina Stingrays
- Brannon McManus Named ECHL Plus Performer of the Month - Adirondack Thunder
- Adirondack's McManus Is AMI Graphics ECHL Plus Performer of the Month - ECHL
- Rush Game Notes: March 4, 2026 vs. Wheeling Nailers - Rapid City Rush
- Forward Max Grondin Signs with Gladiators - Atlanta Gladiators
- Maine Mariners Look to Continue Record Run this Weekend - Maine Mariners
- Nailers News & Notes - March 4, 2026 - Wheeling Nailers
- Guryev Reassigned by Philadelphia to Lehigh Valley from Reading - Reading Royals
- Poulter Reassigned to Norfolk; Admirals Acquire Forward Nick McCarry - Norfolk Admirals
- Idaho Steelheads Weekly - Week 21 - Idaho Steelheads
- Blades Welcome Greenville for First Time this Season - Florida Everblades
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.
