Neal returns, Idaho adds defenseman

(Boise, ID) ? Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Hardy Sauter announced Friday that forward Michael Neal has been reassigned by the Dallas Stars to the Idaho Steelheads from Texas of the American Hockey League. Idaho (ECHL) and Texas (AHL) are the primary development affiliates of the NHL?s Stars. Neal did not play after being recalled from Idaho to Texas on Monday. He has seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 17 games so far this season with the Steelheads. In addition, the Steelheads have signed defenseman Adam Maccarone. The addition of Maccarone gives Idaho a much-needed boost on the blue line as the Steelheads are without defensemen Steve Oleksy (on loan in the AHL) and Kory Scoran (21-Day Injured Reserve). The 24-year-old Maccarone is a third-year professional who has played in the International Hockey League and Central Hockey League before signing with the Steelheads. In 119 professional games, the Whitby, Ontario, product has seven goals and 22 assists. NOTE: The Steelheads have added Steven Duvall to the roster as an emergency backup goaltender in Las Vegas. Duvall, a native of Provo, UT, is stationed full-time at Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas but has been able to practice with the Steelheads each of the past two days and will back up Jerry Kuhn the next two nights for Idaho. Group outings at a Steelheads game are a great way to gather friends, colleagues, or co-workers for a fun night out in downtown Boise. Ticket prices are discounted and you can get a Pepsi, Double-R Ranch Hot Dog, and bag of Tim?s Cascade Chips with each ticket. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.