Boise, ID (7/10/18) – Steelheads Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham announced on Tuesday that the Idaho Steelheads have agreed to terms with rookie forward Tanner Froese on an ECHL contract for the 2018-19 season.
Froese, 25, joins the Steelheads following a four-year college career at St. Norbert College. The Estevan, Saskatchewan native served as captain during his senior season in 2017-18, leading the Green Knights to an NCAA Division III National Championship.
“Tanner was the captain of a national championship team and he knows how to lead,” said Graham. “He knows what it takes to win the big game.”
Froese tallied 14 goals and 34 points in 32 games last season with St. Norbert, leading the team in scoring and earning NCHA All-Conference Team and All-Tournament Team honors. The 6-foot winger was also named to the NCHA All-Conference Team in 2016-17 when he served as assistant captain.
“I’m definitely very excited to have this opportunity to be a part of the Steelheads organization,” said Froese. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the team, the coaching staff, and the city of Boise. It seems like a place that every player wants to be, so I’m looking forward to helping this team achieve its goals in any way I can.”
Froese tallied 42 goals and 92 points in 117 career NCAA games, leading the Green Knights in goal scoring in each of the last two seasons. He capped his college tenure with three assists in the National Championship game, including the primary assist on the double-overtime winner.
“He plays the game fast and hard,” said Graham. “He has shown the versatility needed to contribute up and down a lineup.”
Following his senior campaign last spring, Froese made his professional debut with the Fort Wayne Komets, appearing in three regular-season ECHL games
Froese is the fourth player to agree to terms with the Steelheads this off-season, and the first rookie. Froese is also the first player added by the Steelheads this off-season who was not a part of last year’s roster.
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