Barlow back with Idaho

(Boise, ID) ? The ECHL?s Idaho Steelheads found one last gift under their Christmas tree: the reigning ECHL All-Star Game MVP. Evan Barlow has re-joined the Steelheads and will make his season debut Friday night against Bakersfield at Qwest Arena. He will wear no. 34 as the team wears special throwback jerseys for the weekend. Barlow, 25, had been playing professionally in Norway, scoring 22 points (6 goals, 16 assists) in 27 games for Valerenga. ?I am really excited to get back to Idaho and join the team in an important part of the season,? Barlow said after his first practice with the team Friday morning. ?With so many familiar faces around the arena, I am hoping it?ll be a quick adjustment to both the chemistry in the locker room and the style of play on the ice.? The Strathmore, Alberta, native had a breakout rookie campaign with Idaho last season. He was named to the ECHL?s All-Rookie team after scoring 75 points (32 goals, 43 assists) in 58 games with the Steelheads. He also scored 18 points (8 goals, 10 assists) for the team during the Kelly Cup playoffs. Along with ECHL All-Rookie honors, Barlow was named the MVP of the 2010 ECHL All Star Game in Ontario, CA, after scoring two goals and adding two assists for the National Conference. Barlow has a degree from Cornell of the Ivy League, where he scored 28 goals in four seasons with the Big Red. As a senior at Cornell, Barlow received the Nicky Bawlf award, presented annually to the team?s most valuable player. The Steelheads will be back at Qwest Arena on New Year?s Eve and New Year?s Day to face the Bakersfield Condors. A group night with the Steelheads is a great way to celebrate the New Year with family, friends, and co-workers ? and you can save money on ticket prices too. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.