Laxdal inks defenseman, Rome returns from AHL

(Boise, ID) ? Idaho Steelheads head coach Derek Laxdal announced Tuesday that rookie defenseman Brett Blatchford has been added to the team?s roster and will play Wednesday night when Idaho hosts the Victoria Salmon Kings. Blatchford, 23, played two games with the AHL?s Chicago Wolves after wrapping up his college career at Notre Dame earlier this month. ?I?m excited to get Brett on the ice in an Idaho sweater,? Laxdal said. ?We?ve been a little thin on the blue line lately and the kid has an awful lot of talent.? The 6-foot, 195-pound Blatchford appeared in 153 games at Notre Dame before his brief stint with the Wolves. In his college career, Blatchford scored six goals and handed out 67 assists for a total of 73 points for the Fighting Irish. He also had 101 penalty minutes. Note: Forward Ashton Rome has been returned to Idaho from Hershey of the American Hockey League and will also be in uniform for Idaho Wednesday night. Rome had three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in three games with the Bears over the weekend, upping his AHL total this season to 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 24 games with Hershey and the Toronto Marlies. Rome has 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 38 games with Idaho this season. The Steelheads host their final homestand of the week this week when the team plays Victoria on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. 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.