AHL's Texas Stars assign Ludwig to Idaho

(Boise, ID) ? The American Hockey League's Texas Stars have assigned defenseman Trevor Ludwig to the Idaho Steelheads, the two teams announced on Friday. Texas and Idaho are the primary developmental affiliates of the NHL's Dallas Stars. The 24-year-old fills the roster space vacated when forward Mark McCutcheon was loaned to the AHL's Portland Pirates. He is scheduled to join the team in Salt Lake City in time for Friday night's game against the Utah Grizzlies. Ludwig split last season between the AHL and ECHL. He played 35 regular-season games with Idaho last season, tallying 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists) and 41 penalty minutes. He also appeared in each of Idaho's four playoff games. He was a 6th-round draft pick of the Dallas Stars in 2004 and is the son of former NHL'er Craig Ludwig. McCutcheon played in each of Idaho's three games last weekend against Stockton. He netted the first Steelhead goal of the season on Friday night and added two assists. Idaho (3-0-0) plays at Utah Friday and Saturday night. The Steelheads return to Qwest Arena in Boise on November 7, when they host the Utah Grizzlies. It's a "Sellout Saturday" -- if the game sells out, pitchers of soda and beer will be half-price in the SportZone after the contest. Tickets are available by calling the Qwest Arena box office at 208.331.TIXS.