Off the Hook: Steelheads Update 12/15/08

The Idaho Steelheads (14-10-1-1) finished last week?s four game road trip on a high note, recording the team?s first shutout of the season in a 1-0 win over the Alaska Aces (16-8-0-1). Idaho was .500 on the week, beginning it with a 3-2 win over the Grizzlies in Utah (10-11-1-1) on Dec. 9, followed by back-to-back losses in Anchorage against a hot goaltender; L0-3 on Dec. 12 and L2-3 on Dec. 13. Aces? netminder Jean-Philippe Lamoureux stymied all of the Steelheads? attempts Friday night as Idaho outshot Alaska 33 to 14. Steelheads goalie, Matt Climie ,returned the favor on Sunday, blocking all 31 shots he faced from the Aces. Climie is under contract with Idaho?s NHL affiliate, the Dallas Stars.The Aces are in second place in the West Division, only one point behind the first place Victoria Salmon Kings which have 34 points. The Steelheads rank third in the division with 30 points.BACK IN BLACKThe Steelheads hope to gain on the division leaders this week and take advantage of Qwest Arena?s home ice as Idaho hosts the Bakersfield Condors for three games on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The Steelheads will debut their third jersey on Wednesday and wear them throughout the series. The sweaters are black and don the team?s secondary logo, the fish, on the center chest.IDAHO STEELHEADS AT A GLANCE30 Points; 3rd West Division, 4th National Conference, 9th OverallOverall: 14-10-1-1 (30 points) Home: 6-5-0-1 (home)Away: 8-5-1-0 (road)Streak: 1-0-0-0Past 10: 7-3-0-0ECHL NATIONAL CONFERENCE, DIVISION STANDINGSWest GP W L OTL PTS PCTVictoria Salmon Kings 27 16 9 2 34 0.630Alaska Aces 25 16 8 1 33 0.660Idaho Steelheads 26 14 10 2 30 0.577Phoenix RoadRunners 23 11 10 2 24 0.522Utah Grizzlies 23 10 11 2 22 0.478Pacific GP W L OTL PTS PCTFresno Falcons 27 17 9 1 35 0.648Ontario Reign 24 13 9 2 28 0.583Las Vegas Wranglers 23 10 11 2 22 0.478Bakersfield Condors 24 8 12 4 20 0.417Stockton Thunder 24 8 12 4 20 0.417STEELHEADS BITES• Goalie Matt Climie earned the Steelheads first shutout of the season Sunday in Anchorage, stopping 31 Alaska shots in a 1-0 win over the Aces; Climie has won in 4 of his last 5 starts? Left Wing Steve Gainey took over the team's scoring lead from Captain Marty Flichel (9g-10a) with the game-winner in Sunday's 1-0 win over Alaska; Gainey has 10 goals and 15 assists entering this week? Defenseman Matt Stephenson leads the team with penalty minutes, having racked up 63 on the seasonROSTER TRANSACTIONS (12/09/08 ? 12/14/08)12/13/08 Delete Justin Bourne, F placed on the 30-day IR12/12/08 Add Kelly Sullivan, D activated off IR12/12/08 Delete Derek Paget, F placed on the 3-day IR12/10/08 Add Justin Bourne, F activated off IR12/10/08 Delete Travis Wight, D placed on the 7-day IRHOLIDAY GIFT PACKAGESThe Steelheads are offering Holiday Gift Packages for those hard-to-buy-for sports lovers. Starting at $25.00, three different packages are available for purchase at the merchandise stand/store at the game, by calling the Steelheads office (208) 383-0080, or online at the Idaho Steelheads Web site. Visit: http://www.idahosteelheads.com/steelheads-store/holidaypackages.aspxSTEELHEADS SCHEDULE THIS WEEKTuesday, Dec. 16: ? Practice Qwest Arena 10-11 am? Player visit St. Luke?s Childrens Hospital 1 pmWednesday, Dec. 17: ? Practice Qwest Arena 10-11 am? GAME NIGHT Bakersfield @ Idaho 7:10 pm? Ladies Night Special Buy a $15 ticket and get a free slice of pizza and small beer or soda at the game!Thursday, Dec. 18:? Practice Qwest Arena 10-11 am? Team visit Lake Hazel Middle School; KTVB annual Christmas carol taping 1 pmFriday, Dec. 19: ? Practice Qwest Arena 10-11 am? GAME NIGHT Bakersfield @ Idaho 7:10 pm? Pajama Drive Bring children?s pajamas (sizes baby to teen) to donate at the game and receive a 2-for-1 coupon to a future Steelheads game and be entered into raffle to win prizes. The pj?s will be given to the The Pajama Program, Idaho Chapter, a 501©3 not-for-profit organization that serves abandoned, neglected and abused children. To learn more about The Pajama Program, visit www.pajamaprogram.org.Saturday, Dec. 20: ? Practice Qwest Arena 10-11 am? GAME NIGHT Bakersfield @ Idaho 7:10 pmBROADCAST 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 -