The Idaho Steelheads announced today that they have extended affiliation agreements with the Dallas Stars through the end of the upcoming season. They also announced their partnership with the Texas Stars in the AHL.
The Steelheads have worked in affiliation with the Dallas Stars in all but one of their years of existence, and that partnership has helped in the development of Stars players like Tom Wandell and Francis Wathier among others.
Here is the press release from Boise:
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(Boise, ID) – The ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads have extended affiliation agreements with the NHL’s Dallas Stars and AHL’s Texas Stars through the 2010-2011 season.
It will be the second season the trio of teams has worked together. Idaho and Dallas, however, have a long history together, dating back to Idaho’s move from the WCHL to the ECHL prior to the 2003-2004 season. The two organizations have been affiliated in all but one of Idaho’s ECHL seasons – Idaho shared an affiliation with Phoenix in 2004-2005.
Texas, a second-year American Hockey League franchise based in Austin, reached the AHL’s Calder Cup finals in its first season.
“Our relationship with Dallas and Texas has been very beneficial to our organization and our fans,” team president Eric Trapp said. “We’ve enjoyed the affiliation and are excited to see it continue.”
Both affiliates supplied key pieces of Idaho’s run to the Kelly Cup Finals last year – defenseman Brendan Milnamow and forward Kevin DeVergilio were both assigned to Idaho by Texas while forwards Mathieu Tousignant and Michael Neal joined defenseman Guillaume Monast on assignment in Idaho from Dallas.
Goaltender Richard Bachman, runner-up in ECHL Goaltender of the Year and Rookie of the Year voting, was also assigned to Idaho by Dallas.
“We are pleased to extend our affiliation with the Steelheads for the 2010-11 season,” said Dallas Stars General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk. “Idaho has been a great partner and we look forward to working with them again in the development of our prospects.”
Former Steelheads to climb the affiliate ladder to play in Dallas include Tom Wandell, Francis Wathier, Aaron Gagnon, and Matt Climie.
The ECHL is the premier level of “AA” hockey. The AHL is the highest level of minor-league hockey in North America.
The Steelheads open the regular season on October 15 when they host the Victoria Salmon Kings at Qwest Arena. Ticket plans for the 2010-2011 season are available right now, starting at just $275 per seat for all 36 home games during the regular season. Partial-season plans are also available. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.
