Steelheads Get Shelast Back From Hamilton; Sign Two Union College Rookies

The Idaho Steelheads announced today that forward Tyler Shelast has been returned from the American Hockey League?s Hamilton Bulldogs via the Dallas Stars. Shelast is under contract with Dallas, Idaho?s NHL affiliate. Also, today Steelheads Head Coach Derek Laxdal signed ECAC Hockey Student-Athlete of the Year Matt Cook and Brandon Milnamow to ECHL contractsThe 24-year-old Shelast was called up to the AHL from Idaho on Feb. 5. He began the 2008-09 season with Hamilton, playing in three games, before being reassigned to the Steelheads by Dallas. Having played a total 17 games with the Bulldogs this season, he had two goals and one assist with four penalty minutes. In 23 games with Idaho, the 6-1, 205-pound rookie scored seven goals and seven assists for 14 points, and tallied 21 penalty minutes. Cook, a senior and co-captain of the Dutchman, was named the ECAC Hockey Student-Athlete of the Year. The Belle Mead, NJ native finished his collegiate career tied for 10th on the school's all-time points list with 77 (34g-43a) in 141 games. At 5-foot-11 and 200-pounds, he produced nine goals, including five on the power-play, and 14 assists for 23 points. He was named to the all-tournament team at the 2008 Governor?s Cup. In 2007-08, Cook was Union?s leading goal scorer with 10 tallies and finished fourth on the team with 19 points. In 2006-07, he was named to the Vermont Tournament all-tournament team. An economics major with a math minor, Cook carries a 3.833 grade-point average through three years at Union College. He was selected to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic squad his sophomore and junior seasons and has made Dean?s List every term. Cook, who is a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, is the second Dutchmen in three years to earn the honor - Olivier Bouchard was given the inaugural award in 2007.Milnamow, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman, had 18 points (9g-9a) with 62 penalty minutes in 39 games during the 2008-09 season at Union College. The Wilton, Conn. native is a 2005 graduate of The Taft School of the New England Prep League. At Taft, he lettered in hockey and lacrosse and was named captain of both teams his senior year. Cook and Milnamow are expected to play in tonight?s game in Victoria. Shelast will join the team Saturday. Friday and Saturday?s games start at 8:05 pm MT and Sunday?s puck drop is at 2:05 pm MT. Hooters in Boise (Franklin and Milwaukee) will host a B2 Game Watch Party for Friday?s game. All games can be heard live on ESPN Radio 1350 KTIK the Ticket with ?Voice of the Steelheads? Doug Plagens on the call.- www.idahosteelheads.com ?