Spurgeon returned to Steelheads by AHL club

(Boise, ID) ? Idaho Steelheads head coach Derek Laxdal received some good news late Thursday ? one of his top forwards, Tyler Spurgeon, is expected to be back with the team in time for Friday night?s date with the Las Vegas Wranglers at Qwest Arena. Spurgeon had been on loan to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League. He was loaned to the AHL club on December 1st and appeared in 20 games for the Penguins. He drew several starting assignments and wrapped up his stay with the club with a goal and two assists. The 23-year-old native of Edmonton, Alberta, was a big factor in Idaho?s fast start to the season. In fact, despite missing 17 games while he was in the AHL, he still leads the team with 19 assists. ?He?s a first-line centerman at this level,? Laxdal said. ?Getting him back is big for this hockey team and we?re excited to have him back.? Spurgeon also leads the team with a plus-14 rating in his 20 games with the team. He has four goals to go along with his 19 assists. He?s a 2004 draft choice of the NHL?s Edmonton Oilers and, prior to this season, had spent most of his professional career in the American Hockey League. In total, he has 139 games of AHL experience since turning pro in 2006 to go along with 59 games in the ECHL. Idaho hosts the Las Vegas Wranglers Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Boise. Tickets are available at the Qwest Arena box office or by calling 208.331.TIXS. Group outings are a great way to get friends, family, co-workers, or colleagues together to enjoy a night out at great savings over walk-up ticket prices. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.