Former Steelheads crack NHL opening-night rosters

(Boise, ID) ? At least three former Idaho Steelheads are set to open the regular season on NHL rosters, with two more opening the season on the injured reserve list. Goaltender Dan Ellis (Nashville Predators), forward BJ Crombeen (St. Louis Blues), and forward Zenon Konopka (Tampa Bay Lightning) are all on active rosters as the season-openers loom. Another former Steelhead, forward Tom Wandell, could find himself in Dallas to open the season. The Stars wrap up the preseason Wednesday night with an exhibition game against the AHL?s Texas Stars. Richard Clune (Los Angeles Kings) and Warren Peters (Dallas Stars) are on their respective team?s injured list. Peters, ironically, was injured during a pre-season fight with Crombeen (pictured). Clune is expected to be out of action until at least mid-October while he recovers from a pulled groin. Each of the three active players has a championship ring from their time in Idaho. Ellis and Konopka were teammates on the 2004 Kelly Cup title team, while Crombeen skated to a championship in 2007 with the Steelheads. The 2009-2010 version of the Idaho Steelheads open training camp this weekend, with exhibition games slated for October 9 (Logan, UT) and October 10 (Manchester Ice and Events Center, McCall). The regular season opens on October 16 at Qwest Arena against the Stockton Thunder. Season-ticket packages remain available by calling the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080. Fans interested in single-game tickets can call the Qwest Arena box office at 208.331.TIXS.