Boise, ID (8/23/16) – Steelheads Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham announced on Tuesday that the Steelheads will be bringing back one of their top defensemen from last season, agreeing to terms on an ECHL contract with Corbin Baldwin for the 2016-17 campaign.
Baldwin, 25, joined the Steelheads last season and immediately found his home on Idaho’s top penalty-killing unit. By the midway point of the season, Baldwin and defensive partner Shawn Boutin were working as one of the ECHL’s top shutdown pairs. Baldwin was ranked sixth in the ECHL with a plus-28 rating while playing in all 72 games. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native also added three goals and 20 points to go along with 75 penalty minutes.
“Corbin is an elite defender and is extremely competitive,” said Graham. “He goes to the wall for his teammates every game and is always willing to sacrifice his body and block a big shot when his team needs it the most.”
From December 18th until February 23rd of last season, Baldwin went 27 games without a minus rating, the longest streak of his pro career. He was plus-22 over that stretch.
“He effectively uses his size and reach,” said Graham. “He has a passion for winning that is contagious in the locker room.”
The 6-foot-5 defenseman is preparing for his fifth professional season. In 252 career professional games, Baldwin has collected seven goals, 45 points, and 348 penalty minutes.
Baldwin has spent time in the ECHL, the CHL, and the American Hockey League. In addition to his one season in Idaho, Baldwin played in the ECHL for the Orlando Solar Bears and Alaska Aces. Baldwin was a member of the Allen Americans and Quad City Mallards when both teams were members of the CHL. In the American Hockey League, Baldwin has played a total of 84 games between the Houston Aeros and Iowa Wild, with his last call-up occurring during the 2014-15 season
Baldwin is the second member of last year’s blue line to agree to terms with Idaho, joining Zach Bell on the back end.
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