Connor Chatham returning to Boise

Boise, ID (7/12/17) – Steelheads Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham announced on Wednesday that the Idaho Steelheads and forward Connor Chatham have agreed to terms on an ECHL contract for the 2017-18 season. Chatham will return for his second season in Idaho.

Chatham, 21, was the second-youngest member of the Steelheads roster during his rookie campaign in 2016-17. The 2014 third-round pick of the New Jersey Devils totaled six goals and 16 points in 49 games during his first professional campaign, along with 33 penalty minutes.

“Returning to Boise for another season was the easiest hockey decision I’ve made in years,” said Chatham. “It’s a great organization and a great city, and I’m excited to come back and win hockey games and continue my development as a player.”

The 6-foot-2 native of Belleville, Illinois was a fixture on the penalty kill last season with his strong checking style, adding a shorthanded goal as well. Chatham was also an effective player on the road, tallying three goals and ten points away from CenturyLink Arena. That included his first professional goal, scored on November 5th in Colorado.

“We’re excited with the return of Connor Chatham. He uses his size well to protect the puck and plays a fast game,” said Graham. “He was a big part of our team last season, both on the ice and in the locker room. We expect his game to grow even more as he enters his second season of professional hockey.”

Prior to turning pro, Chatham played three years in the Ontario Hockey League with Plymouth/Flint and Windsor, tallying 47 goals and 109 points in 166 games. Chatham was also a member of the US National Team Development Program in 2011-12 and the Omaha Lancers of the USHL in 2012-13. Chatham had 18 goals and 35 points in 63 games in Omaha.