Boise, ID (8/3/17) – Steelheads Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham announced on Thursday that the Steelheads have completed a trade with the South Carolina Stingrays, acquiring forward Steven McParland in exchange for defenseman Travis Walsh.
McParland, 26, completed his first full professional season in 2016-17, playing 59 games in the ECHL with the Stingrays as well as six games in the American Hockey League, three with Chicago and three games with Binghamton. In 59 games with the Stingrays, McParland scored 19 goals and collected 48 points, finishing third on the Stingrays roster in points and second in goal-scoring en route to his first All-Star selection.
In six AHL games, McParland recorded one assist. The Schreiber, Ontario native also played four ECHL games with Elmira at the end of the 2015-16 season following his final year of college, registering a goal and three assists for the Jackals.
“Steve plays a fast game and has a very good shot. He will add scoring and excitement to our lineup,” said Graham. “We expect him to fit in well with our forward group and we’re very excited about this acquisition.”
McParland had a ten-game points streak from February 27th to March 25th, racking up five goals and 13 points in that span. He carried that momentum into the playoffs, scoring seven goals and adding 11 points in 22 playoff games while helping to lead South Carolina to the Kelly Cup Final.
Walsh, 24, had a successful rookie season in Idaho with seven goals and 27 points from the blue line in 65 games, along with an All-Star Game appearance of his own.
“We wish Travis success in South Carolina and thank him for his contributions last season,” said Graham.
In McParland, the Steelheads are also getting a player with championship experience. The 5-foot-11 forward played four seasons at Providence College, playing 129 games and totaling 14 goals and 44 points. McParland was a member of the Friars’ 2014-15 National Championship team.
McParland joins four other forwards on Idaho’s current roster, which includes Jefferson Dahl, Will Merchant, Connor Chatham, and Brady Brassart. Defenseman Joe Faust was re-signed by the Steelheads on Wednesday.
Season ticket packages for the 2017-18 season are on sale now. To purchase your seats for Steelheads hockey, or to learn more about Gold Club membership, contact the Steelheads Front Office at 383-0080 or visit idahosteelheads.com.
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