Idaho adds scoring punch to front line

Boise, ID (9/4/12) ? Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Ralph announced Tuesday that the ECHL?s Idaho Steelheads have agreed to terms with second-year forward Justin Dowling. Training camp begins October 1 at CenturyLink Arena in Boise. Dowling spent his rookie season traveling between Utah (ECHL) and Abbotsford (AHL). He played 26 games with Idaho?s Mountain Division rival, picking up 24 points (six goals, 18 assists) in 26 games with the Grizzlies. Included in that stint is the game-winning goal against Idaho on October 15 at CenturyLink Arena in Boise. He added a goal and assist in 22 contests with Abbotsford. Prior to turning pro, Dowling had a successful run with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. He finished either first or second on the team in scoring in each of his final three seasons in the highly-competitive major-junior hockey league. While with Swift Current, he was teammates with former Steelhead Matt Tassone along with Dallas Stars prospects Cody Eakin and Taylor Vause. The 21-year-old Alberta native finished his WHL career with 81 goals and 242 total points. Ralph on Dowling: ?Justin is a very talented young player; he has great vision and hockey sense. We want him to score, but we also want him to help lead and bring the determination to get this team back where it belongs in the ECHL.? 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.