ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Two-Time Steelheads Champs Return to Boise to Defend ECHL Cup

Published on July 31, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


Boise, Idaho - The ECHL's Idaho Steelheads announced today that defenseman Darrell Hay and forward Lance Galbraith have agreed to terms and will wear Steelheads sweaters for the 2007-08 season. The veteran duo were instrumental in Idaho's two Kelly Cup Championships, first in 2004 and again in 2007. Each are returning for a third season with the Steelheads.

"We're excited to bring back two of our leaders for the upcoming season," said Steelheads Head coach Derek Laxdal. He added, "Galbraith was our leading scorer in last season's Kelly Cup Championship run and Hay was our leader in the back end and they're coming back ready to build another championship team."

Hay, a 6'0", 200-pound blueliner had an accomplished 2006-07 season with Idaho highlighted by winning the ECHL's top prize, the Kelly Cup. He was Top Defenseman as voted on by his teammates and, in his first ECHL All-Star appearance, he captained the National Team in January of 2007. The Kamloops, BC native began last season in training camp with Idaho's American Hockey League affiliate, the Iowa Stars, following one season in Germany with Schwenningen ERC in the 2.GBun league.

The 27-year-old began his career with the WHL's Tri-City Americans (1996-2000) where he won Scholastic Player of the year (1996-97) and was voted Top Defenseman and MVP (1997-98). The Vancouver Canucks selected him in the 9th round (271st overall) of the 1999 NHL Entry Draft.

Since joining the professional ranks eight years ago, Hay has played for the ECHL's Florida Everblades (2000-01) and the IHL's Kansas City Blades (2000-01). He returned to the ECHL, with the Columbia Inferno (2001-03) and helped lead the team to the Kelly Cup finals. He also played for the AHL's Manitoba Moose (2001-03). Hay signed with the Steelheads in 2003-04, and was called up to Idaho's AHL affiliate the Utah Grizzlies for 10 games, then finished that season and the next with the Steelheads.

Darrell's father, Don Hay was head coach of the NHL Calgary Flames (2000-01) and Phoenix Coyotes (1996-97).

Galbraith, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound forward, averaged more than a-point-a-game during the 2006-07 regular season and postseason play. In six professional seasons, 2006-07 was the 27-year-old's best yet, as he registered 64 points (24g, 40a) in 59 regular season games and 27 points (11g, 16a) in 21 playoff contests. One record he did not top was his career high 314 penalty minutes, set with the Steelheads in 2003-04, tallying 238 pims which still ranked 5th overall in the ECHL. He had a call up to the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers where he scored three points in seven games. Number 71, as he is commonly known, was named Most Inspirational as voted on by his teammates last year.

Galbraith spent the 2005-06 season with the Fort Wayne Comets in the UHL where notched 46 points (23g, 23a) in 52 games played. He led the Comets in penalty minutes, adding 255 pims to his career numbers.

He played two seasons with Idaho in 2003-04 and 2004-05, and was key in helping the team win the Kelly Cup National Championship in its inaugural ECHL year. The Brampton, Ontario native was voted Most Inspirational and the Unsung Hero by the team in 2003-04, and earned fans' vote as Fan Favorite. In 2004-05 he again was voted Most Inspirational and tied with veteran Scott Burt for Fan Favorite.

Since turning pro, he's also played a handful of games at the AHL level (Norfolk and Springfield 2001-02; Syracuse 2002-03; Utah -now in the ECHL- 2003-04), as well as spent time with the ECHL's Augusta Lynx 2002-03 and Dayton Bombers 2003-04. Galbraith attended the NHL's Calgary Flames training camp in 2002-03.

Galbraith played five seasons with the Ontario Hockey League's (OHL) Ottawa 67's, and as one of the most popular players in the team's history helped them win the Memorial Cup in 2000-01. He currently holds the 67's record for most games played (297) and most penalty minutes (960).

Galbraith ranks second all-time in penalty minutes for Idaho with 730 behind Jeremy Mylymok who leads with 894.

The Steelheads home opener is Friday, October 19th against the Victoria SalmonKings. A variety of Season Ticket Plans including a new Family Flex Plan are now available by calling (208) 383.0080 or visiting the team's website at www.idahosteelheads.com.

Check out the Idaho Steelheads Statistics

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