Derlago earns ECHL's Plus Performer of the Year award

(Boise, ID) ? Idaho Steelheads forward Mark Derlago has earned the ECHL Reebok Plus Performer of the Year award after finishing the regular season with a plus/minus rating of plus-34 in 60 games. It?s the second major post-season award for Derlago, who was named first-team All-ECHL last week. ?For a pure scorer like Mark to earn this award, that?s saying something,? head coach Derek Laxdal said. ?It tells you he contributed on the defensive end of the ice as well.? Idaho finished with four of the top five plus-minus performers in the ECHL this season. Tyler Spurgeon (plus-32) was third and Evan Barlow and Guillaume Monast tied for fourth at plus-30. Elmira?s Brennan Taylor finished second at plus-33. On top of plus/minus, the 24-year-old Derlago led the ECHL in power play goals (18) and finished among the regular-season leaders in goals (3rd, 42), points (4th, 92), and assists (6th, 50). Plus/minus measures the goal differential when a specific player is on the ice. Players on the ice when their team scores an even-strength or short-handed goal get a ?plus,? while players on the ice when their team surrenders an even-strength or short-handed goal get a ?minus.? The Steelheads open up the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs on April 16 and 17 at Qwest Arena. Catch playoff fever with a group night with the Steelheads ? a great way to get family, friends, or colleagues together for a discounted price. Each ticket comes with a soda, hot dog, and bag of chips. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.