The Idaho Steelheads saw their seven-game winning streak come to an unsavory end on Friday night, as they fell to the Ontario Reign in California. But, with wins on Monday and Wednesday, and another on Sunday, the Steelheads capped the past week with more wins than losses.
Dallas Stars prospect Michael Neal was placed on the 3-day injured reserve on Tuesday, but then had that time extended today, as he was put on the 7-day IR.
In other transactional news, Idaho added a pair of collegiate players on Friday. Geoff Irwin and Kael Mouillierat, both from Minnesota State-Mankato, joined the Steelheads in Ontario, CA. Mouillierat immediately contributed to his team’s offense, notching a goal in his first professional game on Friday.
Idaho began their week on Tuesday with a 7-5 win over the Grizzlies in Utah. The victory secured a first-round bye for the Steelheads in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Team scoring leader Mark Derlago led the Steelies’ offense with four points (1G, 3A), and goaltender Richard Bachman made 25 saves on 30 shots to get the win.
The two teams met again the next night, on St. Patrick’s Day, and the Steelheads again picked up with win. Bachman was in net once again, this time stopping 20 pucks out of 24 total shot. Assistant Captain Ashton Rome was a plus-4 on the night, with a goal and two assists.
Bachman’s third start in four nights – the series-opener against the Reign in Ontario – was not a charm for him, though. The young netminder surrendered six goals on 23 shots in a 7-4 loss to the Reign. The offense kept Idaho in the game until late, when Bachman was pulled for the extra attacker. But, the strategy backfired, as the Reign scored on the open net with 32 seconds left in the game.
The Steelheads swapped goalies for Saturday night’s game, but Rejean Beauchemin was unable to backstop his team to a win. Defenseman Dustin Friesen had the lone goal for Idaho, and Beauchemin stopped all but two of 24 shots, but it was not enough in the end, as the Reign won, 2-1.
On Sunday, Beauchemin found the elusive win he’d been searching for all weekend in Ontario. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native faced 22 shots on the night, stopping 17, and got help from the Steelheads offense. Matt McKnight posted a pair of goals, while Derlago led the team in scoring once again with three points (1G, 2A)
Idaho is headed back home now, and will face the Victoria Salmon Kings at the Qwest Arena on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Steelheads just finished a sweep of Victoria in British Columbia, as they faced the Salmon Kings from March 10-13.
Last Week’s Transactions:
3/16/10 Michael Neal, F – placed on the 3-day IR
3/17/10 Weston Tardy, D – transferred to the 21-day IR
3/18/10 Doug Melvin, G – released as emergency backup goaltender
3/18/10 Ashton Rome, F – loaned to Hershey (AHL)
3/19/10 Geoff Irwin, F – signed contract
3/19/10 Kael Mouillierat, F – signed contract
3/21/10 Adam Huxley, F – placed on the 3-day IR
3/22/10 Michael Neal, F – transferred to the 7-day IR
