Smith re-assigned to Idaho by Stars

Boise, ID (2/26/13) ? Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Ralph announced Tuesday morning that the NHL?s Dallas Stars have re-assigned forward Austin Smith from Texas of the American Hockey League to the ECHL?s Idaho Steelheads. Texas (AHL) and Idaho (ECHL) are the primary development affiliates of the NHL?s Dallas Stars. The 24-year-old Smith has been in Idaho before. In 23 games earlier this season, he exploded onto the scene with 19 goals, including a spinning back-hander that earned him a spot in ESPN SportsCenter?s ?Top Ten Plays? on January 5. He still ranks in the top 15 among ECHL rookies in scoring (30 points) despite playing in anywhere between eight and 23 fewer games than those ranked ahead of him. His plus/minus rating (plus-17) also still ranks in the top-15 in the ECHL. The 19 goals is tops on the Steelheads roster ? active or inactive ? this season. Smith has appeared in 16 games with the AHL?s Texas Stars this season, scoring two goals and adding one assist. He was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last season, the NCAA college hockey equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, after leading the nation in goals. Smith is expected to be in uniform Wednesday night when the Steelheads host the Utah Grizzlies at CenturyLink Arena. Game time is 7:10 PM and tickets are available by calling the CenturyLink Arena box office at 208.331.8497. Thinking about new Season Tickets for the 2013-14 season? Get your NEW Season Tickets for next season NOW and get the rest of this season for free. That?s two full months worth of home hockey games at CenturyLink Arena FOR FREE. Contact the Idaho Steelheads front office at 208-383-0080 for more information.