Gainey to Suit Up With Steelheads

The Idaho Steelheads announced today that forward Steve Gainey has been signed to an ECHL contract and is expected to be in the team?s lineup on Saturday for the season opener at Qwest Arena.Gainey, 29, was a third round pick by the Dallas Stars in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. He saw action in 13 games with the Stars from 2000 through 2004 and played in 20 games with the NHL?s Phoenix Coyotes in 2005-06.?The success of the organization and the probability of a strong team this season is the main draw for me here with the Steelheads,? said Gainey today in Boise. ?And, I had some personal connections with (Darrell) Hay, (Marty) Flichel, (Derek) Paget, and (Garett) Bembridge who I?ve met before, and the proximity to my hometown of Kamloops was also appealing.?The 6-foot, 180 pound Montreal native began his career with the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League, and has since played for various teams in the International Hockey League, United Hockey League, American Hockey League, and in France. The left winger last played in 2005-06; 20 games with the NHL?s Coyotes and 56 games with their AHL affiliate San Antonio Rampage and registered 1 assist and 20 penalty minutes with the Coyotes and 10 goals, 20 assists and 85 PIMS with the Rampage. He spent last season as the assistant coach of the WHL?s Kamloops team.Steelheads Head Coach Derek Laxdal said, ?Steve?s experience as an NHL player and as a coach will be an invaluable asset to our young team both on the ice and in the locker room.?Gainey is the son of NHL Hall of Famer and legendary Montreal Canadien Bob Gainey. Gainey is a five-time Stanley Cup Champion and current Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Canadiens.The Steelheads open their season at home on Saturday, Oct. 18. A variety of Season Ticket Plans for the 2008-09 season, with reduced pricing in some sections, are now available by calling (208) 383.0080 or visiting the team?s website at www.idahosteelheads.com. - www.idahosteelheads.com -