Off the Hook: Steelheads Update 11/29/08

The Idaho Steelheads (1-1-0-1, 3 pts) play the third game of a six game road trip tonight and are in New York to take on the Elmira Jackals (3-2-0-0, 6 pts) for the first time ever. The same two teams will face off again Friday night, before Idaho leaves to play Reading (Penn.) on Saturday and Trenton (NJ) on Sunday. All three opponents are in the American Conference, North Division. The Steelheads compete in the National Conference, West Division. Steelheads Head Coach Derek Laxdal said by phone today, ?The team is looking forward to playing in different buildings against different teams. It?s good for these young players as it will help them grow as people and as players.?Idaho opened its 2008-09 campaign at home on Oct. 18 and lost, in its only game at Qwest Arena this season, in a shootout (3-2) to the Utah Grizzlies. The team then traveled to Phoenix and split two games with the Roadrunners. Idaho returns home to face off against division rival Alaska for a three game series on Nov. 5, 6 and 7.IDAHO STEELHEADS AT A GLANCEOverall: 1-1-0-1 (3 points)Home: 0-0-0-1 (home)Away: 1-1-0-0 (road)Streak: 0-1-0-0ECHL NATIONAL CONFERENCE, DIVISION STANDINGS WEST GP W L T PTS PCTAlaska Aces 4 3 1 0 6 0.750Phoenix RoadRunners 5 3 2 0 6 0.600Utah Grizzlies 3 2 1 0 4 0.667Victoria Salmon Kings 6 2 4 0 4 0.333Idaho Steelheads 3 1 1 1 3 0.500 PACIFIC GP W L T PTS PCTFresno Falcons 3 3 0 0 6 1.000Ontario Reign 4 3 1 0 6 0.750Stockton Thunder 5 2 3 0 4 0.400Bakersfield Condors 4 1 2 1 3 0.375Las Vegas Wranglers 5 1 3 1 3 0.300 ROSTER TRANSACTIONS (since opening day)Of note: Idaho signed forward Bryan McGregor to a one-year contract yesterday. The 24-year-old, Niagara Falls, Ont., native scored 31 points in 62 games for Pensacola in his first pro season last year. McGregor is expected to play for Idaho tonight. Justin Bourne, who was signed last weekend and suspended from the team yesterday, is expected to be activated tomorrow and play in Friday?s contest.10/28/08 Add Darrell Hay, D activated off IR10/28/08 Add Bryan McGregor, F signed contract10/28/08 Delete Justin Bourne, F suspended by team10/28/08 Delete Adam Welch, D placed on the 3-day IR10/27/08 Delete Derek Paget, F transferred to the 30-day IR10/26/08 Add Travis Wight, D added to roster10/26/08 Delete Kelly Sullivan, D placed on the 7-day IR10/26/08 Delete Curtis Billsten, F released from team on waivers10/26/08 Delete Derek Paget, F transferred to the 7-day IR10/25/08 Add Justin Bourne, F traded from Reading10/25/08 Delete Darrell Hay, D placed on the 3-day IR10/22/08 Add Curtis Billsten, F activated off IR10/22/08 Delete Derek Paget, F placed on the 3-day IRJR SIMPLOT HONORED AND REMEMBEREDThe Idaho Steelheads Hockey Club announced on Opening Night that the 2008-09 season is dedicated to the memory of Mr. JR Simplot. For the entire 2008-09 season, the Idaho Steelheads will wear a sticker on the left side of their helmets bearing a potato and JR's initials. Without JR's support, Idaho's hockey community would not be what it is today. JR and the Simplot Company helped enterprise Qwest Arena, the Idaho Steelheads and Idaho IceWorld. He later donated Idaho IceWorld to the City of Boise.JR, and wife Esther, were big supporters of youth hockey and as fans of the Idaho Steelheads, attended every game they could. A bouquet of flowers was placed in JR?s seat on opening night.OUT AND ABOUT? Steelheads Derek Paget and Kelly Sullivan, and mascot Blue will be at the Papa Murphy's Overland and Five Mile location on Halloween this Friday at 1:30 pm to sign autographs and give fans a chance to win treats with K HITS, 107.1. Stop by to say hi!? The Idaho Steelheads and WOW 104.3 are teaming up to bring a field trip into one lucky Treasure Valley classroom. The Outlaw and Amber are offering classrooms a chance to sign up and win a visit from four players of the Idaho Steelheads. The winning class will meet members of the hockey team and have a chance to get autographs as well as receive a talk about the importance of staying healthy and physically fit and about the negative effects that drugs and tobacco have on their bodies. In addition, lunch will be provided by Dominos Pizza and every student will receive an official WOW field trip certificate. The Outlaw and Amber field trip will take place on Monday, Nov. 10. Registration is available at WOW1043.com and all applicants will be entered into a drawing to win free Steelheads tickets!PRACTICEThe Idaho Steelheads are on the road this week.UPCOMINGIdaho @ Elmira: Wednesday, Oct. 29 @ 5:05 pm MDTIdaho @ Elmira: Friday, Oct. 31 @ 5:35 pm MDTIdaho @ Reading: Saturday, Nov. 1 @ 5:05 pm MDTIdaho @ Trenton: Sunday, Nov. 2 @ 2:00 pm MSTBROADCAST INFOListen to all 72 games with Doug Plagens calling the action. Doug is joined in the booth this season by Steelheads players who will provide color commentary. Tune in to ESPN Radio 1350 KTIK the Ticket on games nights as well as Monday though Friday at 6:00 pm for the Bud Light Idaho Steelheads Hockey Show as Doug and Will Hoenike talk all things Steelheads.All home and road games can be watched through a link on the Steelheads website provided by B2 Networks for $6 a game.TICKET INFOThe Idaho Steelheads offer a variety of ticket plans to fit any schedule or pocket book. Call (208) 383-0080 to find out more. For day of game tickets, visit idahosteelheads.com and use the print at home feature, or call (208) 331-TIXS or visit the box office at Qwest Arena.- www.idahosteelheads.com -