Boise, ID (8/2/17) – Steelheads Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham has added the first defenseman to his roster for next season, announcing on Wednesday that defenseman Joe Faust will be back in Boise. The team agreed to terms with Faust on an ECHL contract for the 2017-18 season, Faust’s second with the Steelheads.
Faust, 25, enjoyed a record-breaking season in his first campaign in Idaho. Setting career-highs and leading Steelheads defensemen in goals (14), assists (27), and points (41), Faust was 12th among ECHL defenseman in scoring. Playing in 69 games with the Steelheads, the Bloomington, Minnesota native nearly tripled his career points total prior to joining Idaho.
The 2010 New Jersey Devils draft pick also totaled four assists in five playoff games and was called up during the season to play four games in the American Hockey League with the Texas Stars.
“I’m very excited to be back with the Steelheads again this season,” said Faust. “My first season in Idaho was a great experience and I can’t wait to get back to Boise and to get on the ice.”
Faust scored his 14th goal on the season’s final day, establishing a new single-season ECHL record for goals by a Steelheads defenseman. Faust also became just the fourth Steelhead defenseman to exceed the 40-point mark in an ECHL season.
The 6-foot Faust never went more than three games during the season without recording at least a point. Playing a greater role on the power play than ever before, Faust collected five goals and 22 points for Idaho with the man-advantage.
“Joe had a very successful season and grew a lot in his development,” said Graham. “I expect him to take another step this upcoming year by not only helping our team on the ice, but continuing to be a leader in the locker room as well.”
Faust played 72 professional games prior to joining Idaho last season, spending the 2014-15 season with AHL Albany and splitting the 2015-16 season between Albany and the Adirondack Thunder. Faust now has 17 goals and 55 points in 145 games. Prior to turning pro, Faust played 136 games across four seasons at the University of Wisconsin, collecting six goals and 22 points.
Faust joins a roster that already includes forwards Jefferson Dahl, Will Merchant, Connor Chatham, and Brady Brassart.
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