Off the Hook: Steelheads Update 12/9/08

The Idaho Steelheads (12-8-1-1) take on the Grizzlies (8-10-1-1) in Utah tonight, for the fourth game in seven days against their Western neighbors. Game time is 7:05 p.m. MT and all the action can be heard on 1350 KTIK The Ticket with Doug Plagens behind the mic.Idaho went 2-1 against Utah in last week?s three-game series at Qwest Arena. In the only other contest between these two teams this year, Idaho opened its 2008-09 season against Utah on home ice losing 3-2 in a shootout.Idaho currently ranks third in the National Conference, West Division, while Utah ranks fifth.Head to Head Record 2008-09 Regular Season Utah 2-1-0-1 / Idaho 2-1-0-1Head to Head Record 2007-08 Regular Season Utah 5-5-0-0 / Idaho 5-2-2-1Previous Meetings This SeasonUtah 1 @ Idaho 4 (Dec 6 2008) FinalUtah 5 @ Idaho 3 (Dec 5 2008) FinalUtah 3 @ Idaho 4 (Dec 3 2008) Final SOUtah 3 @ Idaho 2 (Oct 18 2008) Final SOALASKA-BOUNDThe Steelheads go north later this week for a three-game stint ? Friday, Saturday and Sunday ? in Anchorage against arch-rival Alaska (14-7-0-1). It?s sure to be an interesting campaign as former long-time Steelheads Scott Burt and recent-signing Lance Galbraith will be competing in Aces? jerseys. Idaho, with 26 points, has a chance to gain ground on Alaska, which currently sits in first place with 29 points in the West Division.Head to Head Record 2008-09 Regular Season Alaska 2-0-0-1 / Idaho 1-2-0-0 Record 2007-08 Regular Season Alaska 5-5-0-0 / Idaho 5-3-1-1 Previous Meetings This Season Alaska 2 @ Idaho 1 (Nov 7 2008) FinalAlaska 1 @ Idaho 2 (Nov 6 2008) Final SOAlaska 3 @ Idaho 1 (Nov 5 2008) FinalIDAHO STEELHEADS AT A GLANCE26 Points; 3rd West Division, 4th National Conference, 9th OverallOverall: 12-8-1-1 (26 points) Home: 6-5-0-1 (home)Away: 6-3-1-0 (road)Streak: 1-0-0-0Past 10: 7-3-0-0ECHL NATIONAL CONFERENCE, DIVISION STANDINGS West GP W L OTL PTS PCTAlaska Aces 22 14 7 1 29 0.659Victoria Salmon Kings 24 13 9 2 28 0.583Idaho Steelheads 22 12 8 2 26 0.591Phoenix RoadRunners 21 11 8 2 24 0.571Utah Grizzlies 20 8 10 2 18 0.450 Pacific GP W L OTL PTS PCTFresno Falcons 23 15 7 1 31 0.674Ontario Reign 23 12 9 2 26 0.565Stockton Thunder 22 8 10 4 20 0.455Bakersfield Condors 21 8 10 3 19 0.452Las Vegas Wranglers 20 8 10 2 18 0.450STEELHEADS BITES• Left Wing Steve Gainey is riding a four-game point streak in which he has one goal and seven assists; the team is 3-1 in that span. Gainey also leads the team in points with 24 (9g-15a) in 22 games and is 10th overall in the league? Left Wing Kris Sparre is on a three-game goal scoring streak? Forward Ben Nelson has four goals in his last four games; is ranked second overall in the league in both power play goals -8 and shootout goals -3. His power play goals and shootout goals ranks Nelson first amongst rookies.? Goaltender Rejean Beauchemin has won his last two startsROSTER TRANSACTIONS (11/17/08-12/08/08)12/4/08 Add Derek Paget, F activated off IR12/4/08 Delete Kelly Sullivan, D placed on the 3-day IR12/3/08 Add Darrell Hay, D activated off IR12/3/08 Delete Justin Bourne, F transferred to the 7-day IR11/23/08 Delete Tyler Shelast, F recalled by Hamilton (AHL)11/21/08 Delete Jim Kerr, F suspended by team11/20/08 Add Craig Cescon, F activated off IR11/20/08 Delete Justin Bourne, F placed on the 3-day IR11/19/08 Add Mark Bomersback, F returned from Providence (AHL)HOLIDAY 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.aspxUPCOMINGIdaho @ Utah: Tuesday, Dec. 9 @ 7:05 pm MSTIdaho @ Alaska: Friday, Dec. 12 @ 9:15 pm MSTIdaho @ Alaska: Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 9:15 pm MSTIdaho @ Alaska: Sunday, Dec. 14 @ 9:15 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 -