Idaho extends affiliation with Stars organization

(Boise, ID) ? The ECHL?s Idaho Steelheads have extended affiliation agreements with the NHL?s Dallas Stars and AHL?s Texas Stars through the 2011-12 season. It will be the third season the trio of teams has worked together. Idaho and Dallas, however, have a long history together, dating back to Idaho?s move from the WCHL to the ECHL prior to the 2003-2004 season. The two organizations have been affiliated in all but one of Idaho?s ECHL seasons ? Idaho shared an affiliation with Phoenix in 2004-2005. Texas is a third-year American Hockey League organization based in Austin. ?Because of this relationship, our fans have gotten to watch future NHL players up close and personal right here in Boise,? Steelheads President Eric Trapp said. ?We?re happy to continue this affiliation and look forward to another season of working with both Dallas and Texas.? Former Steelheads to climb the affiliate ladder to play in Dallas include Richard Bachman, Tom Wandell, Francis Wathier, Aaron Gagnon, and Matt Climie. Last season, goaltenders Tyler Beskorowany and Adrien Lemay, defensemen Tyler Ludwig and Guillaume Monast, and forwards Matt Tassone, Michael Neal, Sean Backman, and Tristan King were all assigned to Idaho by either Dallas or Texas. The ECHL is the premier level of ?AA? hockey. The AHL is the highest level of minor-league hockey in North America. Idaho plays at the 5,006-seat Qwest Arena, which opened in downtown Boise in 1997, and the club played host to over 156,000 fans last season. The Steelheads have qualified for the playoffs every year since joining the ECHL for the 2003-04 season. Idaho reached the Western Conference Semifinals in 2010-11 after posting a 32-27-4-9 regular season mark. Steelhead Season-Ticket Holders get six games FREE when they sign up for full-season packages. Plans for all 36 home games start at just $275 per seat. Partial-season plans are also available. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.