Steelheads Off The Hook
January 7, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release
WE'RE HALF WAY THERE
On Wednesday night, the Steelheads will make BonJovi's lyrics to Livin' On A Prayer come to life as the season hits the mid-way point and the Steelheads play the 36th game of the 72-game 2007-08 schedule: "Whooah, we're half way there," and with the injuries and call-ups the team has suffered, the "We've got to hold on ready or not, you live for the fight when it's all that you've got" lyrics carry a lot of meaning. The defending ECHL champs have won seven of the last ten games despite losing numerous bodies to injuries and the team's two leading scorers; Mark Bomersback (30 points, 16g-14a) was called up to the Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League and hasn't played since Dec. 27th (missed last 6 games) and Greg Rallo (29 points, 14g-15a) has not played since suffering an injury on Dec. 15th (missed last 10 games).
In their absence, veteran forward and two-time Steelheads Kelly Cup Champion Lance Galbraith has taken over the reigns as the team's leading scorer and ranks 19th overall in the league in points, tallying 32 (13g-19a) in 33 games-played. The fan-favorite also leads the league in penalty minutes with 140, is tied for third in power play goals with 9 and is tied for ninth in league in game-winning goals with 3.
BETWEEN THE PIPES
Idaho's recent success has had a lot to do with its two Top Ten goaltenders. All-Star rookie goaltender Kellen Briggs has been stellar between the pipes for Idaho this season and currently ranks first overall in the ECHL in goals-against average at 1.95. Last year's Kelly Cup Championship MVP Steve Silverthorn ranks 10th at 2.53 GAA and is tied for second with two shutouts this season. Briggs has recorded one shutout in his first pro season.
IDAHO TAKES ON UTAH - KEY PLAYERS
The Steelheads play Utah on home ice at Qwest Arena Wednesday, then travel to Utah's E-Center for Friday and Saturday tilts. Idaho's record of 2-1-3 ranks the team second in the West Division over Utah's 4-2-0 fourth place divisional rank. However, head-to-head, Utah is 4-2-0 against the Steelheads this season with former Steelheads Scott Burt doing the most damage with 4 goals and 3 assists. In six contests against the Grizzlies, Rallo has 9 points (5g-4a), captain Marty Flichel has tallied 8 points (2g-6a), and Bomersback and defenseman Darrell Hay have tallied 6 points (3g-3a each).
HEAD-TO-HEAD VS UTAH 2007-08
Idaho 1 @ Utah 3 (Nov 17 2007) Final
Utah 6 @ Idaho 5 (Nov 16 2007) Final OT
Utah 1 @ Idaho 6 (Nov 14 2007) Final
Utah 1 @ Idaho 6 (Oct 31 2007) Final
Idaho 3 @ Utah 4 (Oct 27 2007) Final SO
Idaho 4 @ Utah 5 (Oct 26 2007) Final OT
STEELHEADS BUILDING BRIDGES
The Steelheads are hosting a School Art Supplies Drive at Wednesday's game to benefit Bridges Community School, the first school in Idaho that will serve children with Autism. Fans will receive a two-for-one-coupon to a future Steelheads game with every donation (crayons, markers, paper, stencils, stickers, etc. will be collected at the door).
IDAHO STEELHEADS AT A GLANCE
Overall: 17-11-4-3 (41 points)
Home: 11-4-3-2
Away: 6-7-1-1
Streak: 2-0-0-0
ECHL NATIONAL CONFERENCE, DIVISION STANDINGS
WEST GP W L T PTS PCT
Victoria Salmon Kings 33 21 8 4 46 0.697
Idaho Steelheads 35 17 11 7 41 0.586
Alaska Aces 32 18 11 3 39 0.609
Utah Grizzlies 33 16 14 3 35 0.530
Phoenix RoadRunners 33 12 15 6 30 0.455
PACIFIC GP W L T PTS PCT
Las Vegas Wranglers 33 22 5 6 50 0.758
Fresno Falcons 30 17 9 4 38 0.633
Stockton Thunder 32 14 16 2 30 0.469
Bakersfield Condors 33 8 19 6 22 0.333
UPCOMING
Wed. 1/09/08 vs Utah
Fri. 1/11/08 @ Utah
Sat. 1/12/08 @ Utah
STEELHEADS BITES
Team notes:
The Steelheads are 6-2-0 in their last eight road games
The Steelheads are 14-1-1 when they allow less than three goals against in a game this season
The Steelheads are 39-for-43 on the penalty kill (90.6%) in their last eight contests
Individual notes:
Blake Forsyth ended the seven-game road trip with three goals and two helpers
Lance Galbraith has recorded at least one point in seven of the last nine games (5g-3a), and at least five shots in six of his last eight games
Colin Sinclair picked up two goals and two assists in the last five games
BOISE ORTHOPEDIC CENTER INJURY REPORT/TRANSACTIONS
01/04/08 Add Bill Kinkel, F traded from Mississippi
12/28/07 Delete Mark Bomersback, F loaned to Iowa (AHL)
12/22/07 Add Steve Silverthorn, G assigned by Iowa (AHL)
12/22/07 Delete T.R. Kirkman, G emergency backup goaltender
12/21/07 Add Marty Flichel, F activated off IR
12/21/07 Delete Greg Rallo, F placed on the 3-day IR
12/20/07 Add J.R. Kirkman, G emergency backup goaltender
12/20/07 Delete Blair Allison, G emergency backup goaltender
12/18/07 Add Blair Allison, G emergency backup goaltender
12/17/07 Delete Chad Brownlee, D placed on the 7-day IR
PRACTICE
The Idaho Steelheads practice Tuesday and Wednesday this week from 10-11 am at Qwest Arena. Practices are free and open to media and public.
BROADCAST INFO
Listen to all 72 games with ECHL's Broadcaster of the Year Joe O'Donnell calling the action. Joe is joined in the booth this season by current and former Steelheads players who will provide color commentary. Tune in to ESPN Radio 1350 KTIK the Ticket on games nights as well as Monday though Friday at 6:00 pm for the Bud Light Idaho Steelheads Hockey Show as Joe talks all things Steelheads.
All home and road games can be watched through a link on the Steelheads website provided by B2 Networks for $6 a game, or buy The Power Play Season Pass season pass to catch every game for $140.
TICKET INFO
The Idaho Steelheads offer a variety of ticket plans to fit any schedule or pocket book. Call (208) 383-0080 to find out more. For single game tickets, visit idahosteelheads.com and use the print at home feature, or call (208) 331-TIXS or visit the box office at Qwest Arena.
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