Mercier loaned to AHL's Wild

Boise, ID (1/8/14) – Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Ralph announced Wednesday morning that forward Justin Mercier has been loaned by the Idaho Steelheads to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. The AHL is the highest level of minor-league hockey in North America.Also, the team has added defensemanSteven Whitely to the roster.Mercier, the team’s captain, heads back to the AHL where he spent 220 games earlier in his career with the Lake Erie Monsters, collecting 39 goals along the way. With Idaho this season, the 26-year-old forward has ten goals, including two game-winners. He’ll join Iowa in time for its game Friday at Grand Rapids.Whitely, also 26, is a first-year pro out of the University of Waterloo (CIS). Prior to his time at Waterloo, he played in the Ontario Hockey League where he played on teams with (among others) Steven Stamkos, PK Subban, and James and Michael Neal. The 6-foot-5 blue-liner made his professional debut this season with Pensacola of the Southern Professional Hockey League, putting up ten points (five goals, five assists) and a plus-4 rating in 24 games.Whitely will be with the team this weekend when it travels to Loveland, CO, to take on the Colorado Eagles. Games are Friday and Saturday night at 7 PM and can be heard live on KTIK (1350 AM) in the Treasure Valley.Idaho’s next home game is Wednesday, January 15, against the Utah Grizzlies. All Wednesday home games are Dollar Beer Night, presented by Bud Light, as small beers are available for just a buck through the end of the second period.Group outings at a Steelheads game are a great way to gather friends, colleagues, or co-workers for a fun night out in downtown Boise. Ticket prices are discounted and you can get a Pepsi, Double-R Ranch Hot Dog, and bag of Tim’s Cascade Chips with each ticket. Contact the Steelheads front office at 208.383.0080 for more information.