Idaho signs rookie forward

(Boise, ID) ? Idaho Steelheads head coach Derek Laxdal announced on Friday that the team has signed rookie Zack Torquato to a standard ECHL contract. The 20-year-old forward is expected to be in uniform and play Friday night when the Steelheads take on the Bakersfield Condors. Torquato (pronounced tor-KWOT-oh) just concluded his season with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. In 68 regular-season games, Torquato had 93 points (31 goals, 62 assists) for the Otters. He added three more points in four playoff games before his team was eliminated from the playoffs. In five seasons of junior hockey in the OHL, Torquato totaled 329 points, including 134 goals. He has two previous amateur tryout agreements, skating with the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League in 2008 and 2009. In 12 games of AHL experience, he has one goal. The Sault Ste. Marie, ONT, native was selected in the sixth round of the 2007 NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings. Idaho concludes the regular season Friday and Saturday night in Bakersfield, CA, against the Condors. Fans can listen to games live on KTIK (1350 AM) or www.ktik.com with Doug Plagens calling all the action. 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.