Steelheads add defenseman Kyle Bigos

Boise, ID (8/30/16) – The Idaho Steelheads have added a fifth defenseman to their roster, as Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham announced Tuesday afternoon the team has agreed to terms with Kyle Bigos on an ECHL contract.

Bigos, 27, returns to North America after playing in the United Kingdom’s Elite Ice Hockey League during the 2015-16 season. He registered six goals and 23 points in 51 games with the Edinburgh Capitals, as well as 189 minutes in penalties.

A former fourth-round draft pick (99th overall) of the Edmonton Oilers in 2009, the 6-foot-4 blue-liner has played a total of 161 professional games in the ECHL, EIHL, and the American Hockey League. In that time, the physical defenseman has collected 397 penalty minutes.

“Kyle is a big, tough defender who brings a veteran presence to our lineup,” said Steelheads Head Coach Neil Graham. “He has a very hard shot and is good at getting pucks through to the net.”

Prior to playing in Europe, the Upland, California native split time between the ECHL and the AHL from 2013 to 2015. He played in eight games for AHL Worcester, collecting two assists, and he played 102 games with the San Francisco Bulls and the Ontario Reign. He has registered four goals, 26 points, and 203 penalty minutes in the ECHL.

“Kyle adds size and toughness to our back end and is a high-character person and teammate,” said Graham.

Bigos played four seasons of Division I college hockey at Merrimack College from 2009 to 2013, serving as an assistant captain in his senior season.