Idaho adds pair of rookie forwards to roster

Boise, ID (8/20/12) ? Center Jake Morley and winger Austin Mayer have each inked ECHL contracts with the Idaho Steelheads for the 2012-13 season, the team announced on Monday. They?re the first two forwards to be added to Idaho?s training-camp roster by Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Ralph. The Steelheads open training camp on October 1 at CenturyLink Arena in downtown Boise. Morley recently completed a four-year career at Clarkson University (NCAA). As a senior, the 24-year-old New York native was the team captain and earned the Mike Morrison Coaches Award for teamwork, hustle, and dedication along with the Ironman Award, given to the Clarkson player that demonstrated the most will and determination to overcome obstacles to contribute to the team. In his four seasons at Clarkson, Morley scored twenty goals and added 30 assists for 50 total points. He made his professional debut last spring with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League. Ralph on Morley: ?Jake comes highly-recommended and will be a great teammate here in Boise. He?s a big, strong power forward who plays with an edge that should have a lot of success at this level.? The other addition is 24-year-old Mayer. As a senior at Colgate University (NCAA), Mayer tallied 23 points, tied for third-most on a team that included highly-touted Dallas Stars prospect Austin Smith and NHL draft pick Chris Wagner (first and second, respectively). His eight goals last season were one short of his combined total over his first three seasons of college hockey. Mayer was also an All-American lacrosse player in high school before pursuing hockey in college. Ralph on Mayer: ?He?s a very fast skater and speed is so important at this level. A number of coaches who coached against Austin last season said he was a dynamic player, hard to handle, and scored some big goals for Colgate.? The 16th season of professional hockey in Boise kicks off on Friday, October 12, when the Idaho Steelheads host the Utah Grizzlies at CenturyLink Arena. Season Ticket packages are available now, starting at just $275 per seat for all 36 home games. Partial-season packages start at as little as $150 for fans who want a little more flexibility. Contact the Idaho Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.