Boise, ID (8/28/18) – Steelheads Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham announced on Tuesday that the Idaho Steelheads have agreed to terms with forward Michael Neville on an ECHL contract for the 2018-19 season.
Neville, 25, began his professional career last season with the Steelheads, appearing in 14 regular season games. The Woodbridge, Ontario native registered two goals, three points, and eight penalty minutes with the Steelheads.
“Mike is a high-character person and leader who leaves everything on the ice every shift,” said Graham. “He really impressed during his time with us last season, and we’re very happy to bring him back to Boise.”
The 6-foot forward signed an ECHL contract with the Steelheads on February 23rd after spending the first half of the season recovering from an injury suffered during his senior year at Michigan Tech. He made his professional debut on Feburary 24th against the Rapid City Rush and scored his first professional goal in his second game on March 2nd against the Wichita Thunder.
“I am excited to be back in Boise,” said Neville. “Idaho has a winning culture, and I look forward to being a part of it.”
Neville played four seasons of Division I NCAA hockey at Michigan Tech from 2013 to 2017. A two-year assistant captain, Neville totaled 15 goals and 60 points over 155 career NCAA games and was a plus-52. He helped lead the Huskies to a WCHA Conference title in 2017, and he spent the start of the 2017-18 campaign as an assistant coach with the Huskies.
Neville is the twelfth forward, and eighth returning player, announced by the Steelheads this off-season.