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ECHL Idaho Steelheads

Yeats back between the pipes

September 13, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Idaho Steelheads News Release


BOISE, ID - The Idaho Steelheads, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Dallas Stars and AHL's Iowa Stars, announced today that goaltender Matt Yeats, right wing Garrett Bembridge and rookie defenseman Jim Hakewill have signed contracts for the 2005-2006 season.

Yeats, 26, spent last season in the ECHL, splitting time with the Reading Royals and the Steelheads. In four regular-season games with the Steelheads, Yeats posted a 2-1-1 record to complement his 2.19 goals against average (GAA) and a .913 save percentage. Yeats also saw action in two of the Steelheads four postseason matches going 0-1, with a 2.78 GAA and a .864 save percentage.

"We wanted to make sure we brought somebody back to the team that played here last year," Steelheads' head coach and director of hockey operations, Derek Laxdal said. "Yeats is a guy that can be a number one goaltender in the ECHL and possibly get some callups [to Iowa or Dallas]. "We'll be getting a goaltender from Dallas as well, so adding Yeats is a great fit."

An Alberta native, Yeats will enter his fourth professional season in 2005-2006. The Steelheads originally traded for Yeats on March 22, acquiring him from the Royals in exchange for future considerations. On June 4, the team completed the deal, sending forward David Morisset to the Royals. Then on July 1, the Steelheads made a qualifying offer to Yeats, thus retaining his rights for the upcoming campaign.

After three seasons at the University of Maine, Yeats turned pro prior to the start of the 2002-2003 season. He played over 2,800 minutes in his rookie year with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies of the ECHL. That year, Yeats set career-high marks in appearances (48), wins (23), minutes (2,811) and saves (1,220). Yeats also spent two games with the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL) that season, winning one of his two decisions.

In 2003-2004, Yeats suited up in just seven games, including five contests with the Washington Capitals (NHL). Yeats went 1-3-0 in his tenure with the Capitals, highlighted by his first career NHL victory, a 4-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 30, 2004.

Yeats saw little action last season, playing in just 17 regular-season games between the Royals and the Steelheads. He said he wants to get into a regular rotation between the pipes in 2005-2006.

"Hopefully I'll be able to take from my experience and use it to my advantage," Yeats said. "As a goalie, you're always trying to get in there as much as you can. Hopefully this year will be that opportunity for me. I had a good time in Boise for the short amount of time I was there. I'm looking forward to coming back and playing in Boise this season."

The 24-year-old Bembridge played last season overseas in a German Elite League. In 50 games with Crimmitschau ETC, Bembridge recorded 23 goals and 56 points. A native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Bembridge has 194 games of AHL experience in his career. The 6'0", 180-lbs. winger tallied 40 points in two seasons with the Saint John Flames (2001-2002 & 2002-2003) and 14 points in 57 games with the Lowell Lock Monsters in 2003-2004.

Bembridge also dressed for the Las Vegas Wranglers in 2003-2004, notching seven points in 13 regular-season games. He was held scoreless in two playoff games that year, as Las Vegas was eliminated by the Steelheads in the Pacific Division Semi-Finals, three games to two.

Drafted by the Rangers in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft and again in the 2001 draft by the Calgary Flames, Bembridge had an impressive junior career, playing in his hometown for the Saskatoon Blades. In three full seasons with the Blades, he mustered 88 goals and 186 points in 212 games.

Laxdal said Bembridge has a great chance to make the Iowa Stars roster this season. Training camp for the Iowa Stars begins on September 24.

"He brings great speed, tenacity and a scoring ability," Laxdal added. "We look forward to him leading our hockey club this season."

Hakewill, 23, is a big body that Laxdal said can provide some offense from the blue line position. A Wilmette, Illinois native, he was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fifth round (145th overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. He recently completed his collegiate career at NCAA Division I St. Lawrence University. Last year, in his senior season, Hakewill managed eight points in 33 games with the Saints.

"We received great feedback from the Dallas Stars' scouting staff," Laxdal said of the 6'5", 223-lbs., left-handed shooting defenseman.

With the addition of Yeats, Bembridge and Hakewill, the Steelheads now have 11 players under contract for this season, including five rookies.

The Steelheads open their third ECHL season at home on October 21 against the Long Beach Ice Dogs.

Steelheads' season ticket packages for the 2005-2006 campaign are on sale now! You can purchase tickets by calling 208-383-0080. A variety of packages are available, including Full Season Tickets, Flex Plans, Suite Rentals, Group Outings and a NEW 12-pack Weekend Mini Plan starting at just $169.

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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.

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