Former Steelhead filling his role in the Big Apple

It?s early in the season, but former Steelhead Zenon Konopka is already in mid-season form for the NHL?s New York Islanders. After leading the NHL in fighting majors last season, Konopka is tied for the league lead with three bouts in the early stages of the 2010-2011 season. Toronto?s Mike Brown also has three fighting majors. The pair squared off with each other on October 18 in Toronto. Konopka, a pivotal member of Idaho?s 2004 Kelly Cup championship team, is one of 15 players who have reached the NHL after playing in Boise for the Steelheads. One (Brian Fahey) made his NHL debut this season while others, including Konopka who played for Tampa Bay last season, have simply changed teams. Dan Ellis, another key member of the ?04 title team, now plays for Tampa Bay after spending the past three seasons in Nashville. He has made two starts for the Lightning so far this season: one very good (two goals allowed in a win over Philadelphia) and one not-so-good (pulled after 15 minutes in a loss to Florida). For his career, Ellis carries a .911 save percentage and ten shutouts in 113 games. Here are the other 12 players to advance from Idaho to the NHL: Aaron Gagnon (pictured), Tom Wandell, Francis Wathier, Matt Climie, BJ Crombeen, Richard Clune, Jay Beagle, Warren Peters, Ben Ondrus, Gavin Morgan, Matt Zaba, and Jeremy Yablonski. The Steelheads return home on Wednesday, October 27, to host the Utah Grizzlies at Qwest Arena. It?s another ?Twice the Ice? Wednesday. Click here for more information on the Twice the Ice promotion.