Dowling voted into ECHL All-Star Game starting lineup

Boise, ID (1/2/13) ? The Idaho Steelheads, in conjunction with the ECHL, announced Wednesday that forward Justin Dowling has been voted into the starting lineup for the upcoming ECHL All Star Game on January 23 in Loveland, CO. Dowling, 22, is Idaho's leading scorer with 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists), which is tied for second-most in the ECHL. His 31 assists are already more than any Steelhead player accumulated during the 2011-12 season and his 42 points are only three fewer than Idaho's leading scorer totaled last season. "It's definitely an honor to be voted in," Dowling said. "My teammates, coaches, and trainers, I couldn't have done it without them. They have all helped me to have the kind of season I'm having." The All-Star format will feature the host Colorado Eagles taking on a team of ECHL All-Stars. The ECHL's starting lineup is as follows: G - Philipp Grubauer (Reading Royals) D - Denny Urban (Reading Royals) D - Nathan Deck (Stockton Thunder) F - CJ Stretch (Ontario Reign) F - Casey Pierro-Zabotel (Gwinnett Gladiators) F - Justin Dowling (Idaho Steelheads) The starters were selected based on a vote of ECHL coaches, team captains, broadcasters, media-relations directors and media members. The Cochrane, AB, native is in his second professional season after playing major-junoir hockey in the Western Hockey League. After finishing his career with the Swift Current Broncos, Dowling split last season between the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL) and Abbotsford Heat (AHL) before signing with Idaho in the offseason. The Steelheads (20-7-4) are in action on the road Wednesday night at Bakersfield. Smith is expected to be in the team's lineup for the 8 PM game, which can be heard live in the Treasure Valley on KTIK (1350 AM). Idaho returns home on Friday, January 4, to host the Bakersfield Condors. Group nights are a great way to get family, friends, co-workers, and colleagues together at CenturyLink Arena at a discounted price. Groups can also include a Double-R Ranch hot dog, Tim's Cascade chips, and a small Pepsi. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 or log on to www.idahosteelheads.com for more information.