Bachman is 16th former Steelhead to reach NHL

(Boise, ID) ? Goaltender Richard Bachman became the 16th former Idaho Steelhead to reach the National Hockey League when he relieved Andrew Raycroft for the Dallas Stars Saturday night. Bachman skated onto the ice with 9:35 remaining in the third period of Dallas? 5-2 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes and stopped all four shots he faced through the remainder of the game. The 23-year-old Bachman was second-team All-ECHL for the Idaho Steelheads last season, helping the team reach the Kelly Cup finals. He was also the runner-up for the league?s Goaltender of the Year award after winning 22 games and posting a 2.28 goals-against average. Bachman became the 16th former Steelhead to skate in the National Hockey League and fourth goaltender. Dan Ellis (G), Matt Zaba (G), Matt Climie (G), Gavin Morgan (F), Ben Ondrus (F), Warren Peters (F), Zenon Konopka (F), BJ Crombeen (F), Jay Beagle (F), Tom Wandell (F), Francis Wathier (F), Aaron Gagnon (F), Jeremy Yablonski (F), Richard Clune (F), and Brian Fahey (D) are the others. A 17th player ? goaltender Chad Alban ? was called up to the NHL from Idaho in 2001, but never appeared in a game. Bachman?s appearance in the NHL less than 7 months after playing for the Steelheads isn?t the fastest ascension in team history ? both Climie and Ellis saw time in the NHL with the Stars in the same season they played for Idaho. He?s the second former Steelhead to make his NHL debut this season. Fahey made his debut with the Washington Capitals in November. Idaho returns home Wednesday, December 15, and Friday, December 17, to face the Victoria Salmon Kings at Qwest Arena. Friday night is the Steelheads? annual ?Teddy Bear Toss Night,? benefiting Toys for Tots. Friday night is also another 4-for-$44 promotion, where fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs, and four Pepsis for just $44. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.