Neal, Spratt head to AHL

(Boise, ID) ? The Texas Stars of the American Hockey League have signed goaltender Jimmy Spratt to a Professional Tryout contract (PTO) and have also recalled forward Michael Neal from the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. The moves come as a result of two former Steelheads, goaltender Richard Bachman and forward Francis Wathier, being recalled by the NHL?s Dallas Stars. Idaho (ECHL) and Texas (AHL) are the primary development affiliates of the Dallas Stars. Neal, 22, is in his third professional season and is under contract with the NHL?s Dallas Stars. He had a goal and assist in Idaho?s game at Colorado Saturday night, giving him seven points (3G/4A) in 19 games with the Steelheads this season. All told, the Whitby, Ontario, native has appeared in 122 games with Idaho over three seasons, scoring 14 goals and adding 23 assists. He also has three goals in 22 games at the AHL level with Texas. Spratt, 26, is heading to the AHL for the first time since turning pro in 2009. In 12 games thusfar this season with the Steelheads, Spratt is 5-5 with a .920 save percentage, including a 47-save gem against Las Vegas on November 2. The Chesterfield, MI, netminder, in his fourth professional season, has played in the ECHL, Central Hockey League, and Southern Professional Hockey League. Idaho remains on the road this week, playing at Pacific Division-leading Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday night. Idaho?s next home game is Wednesday, December 7, against the Colorado Eagles at CenturyLink Arena in Boise. Steelhead Season-Ticket Holders get six games FREE when they sign up for full-season packages. Fans can still get pro-rated full-season tickets for the remaining 30 home games, starting at less than $275 per seat. Partial-season plans are also available. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.