Steelheads Begin Defense of Kelly Cup on Wednesday

The Idaho Steelheads begin defense of the coveted ECHL Kelly Cup on Apr. 9 at Qwest Arena when they host the Alaska Aces. Seeding came down to the final day of the regular season with Idaho defeating Fresno 2-1 at home to claim fourth seed, and Victoria knocking off Alaska 4-1 for the West Division title and number two seed in the National Conference. The top four teams from the National Conference have home ice advantage. Tickets for home Games 1 and 2 of the 2007-08 ECHL National Conference, West Division first round Kelly Cup playoffs are on sale now by calling 331-TIXS, by visiting www.idahosteelheads.com (using the print-at-home feature), or by stopping by the Qwest Arena box office. For groups or to guarantee the best seats with a playoff package, please call 383-0080. Scenario #1 (Idaho High Seed) vs Alaska Aces (Low Seed) Game 1 4/9 Wednesday 7:10 MDT Alaska @ Idaho Game 2 4/10 Thursday 7:10 MDT Alaska @ Idaho Game 3 4/12 Saturday 9:15 MDT Idaho @ Alaska Game 4 4/13 Sunday 9:15 MDT Idaho @ Alaska Game 5 4/15 Tuesday 9:15 MDT Idaho @ Alaska (if nec.) Game 6 4/17 Thursday 7:10 MDT Alaska @ Idaho (if nec.) Game 7 4/20 Sunday 7:10 MDT Alaska @ Idaho (if nec.) The Steelheads have claimed two Kelly Cup Championships in the past four seasons, including their first in the ECHL in 2003-04 and again last year. In 2007, Idaho upset defending Kelly Cup Champion Alaska in five games to advance to the Kelly Cup Finals where they defeated the Dayton Bombers in five games, becoming only the fourth team to claim two ECHL championships. Idaho is 7-2 all-time in ECHL playoff action against Alaska having defeated them in their first meeting in the second round of the 2003-04 playoffs. - www.idahosteelheads.com -