Steelheads bring in two more forwards

Boise, ID (8/23/12) ? The Idaho Steelheads are bringing back one of the heroes of the team?s late run last spring, signing forward Joe Pereira for the 2012-13 season. The team has also agreed to terms with rookie forward Josh Currie. That gives Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Ralph six players on his training-camp list. Training camp begins October 1 at CenturyLink Arena in Boise. The 25-year-old Pereira was acquired from South Carolina late last season and wound up tied for the team lead in playoff goals with four in eight postseason contests with Idaho, which upset Ontario in the first round of the ECHL?s Western Conference playoffs. Pereira is going into his second full professional season, appearing in 62 games at the ECHL level. He has also competed in 11 games at the AHL level (highest level of minor-league hockey in North America) since completing his college career at Boston University, where he was the team captain in 2010-11. Ralph on Pereira: ?Joe was instrumental in the team?s success in the playoffs last season and is looking to build off that success. He?s a hard worker who brings a lot of heart with him to the rink every day, we?re glad to have him back on board.? Currie doesn?t turn 20 years of age until October 29, which would make him among the youngest players in the ECHL. He is foregoing his final season of major-junior hockey to begin his pro career this season with Idaho. Last season, as the team captain of the Prince Edward Island Rocket, Currie netted a career-best 30 goals and finished with more points (46) than he had in his first two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League combined (35). Ralph on Currie: ?Josh is another hard worker who brings a lot of character to our team. He?ll do whatever it takes to help the team get the job done and we?re excited to watch him grow and mature as a player.? 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.