Steelheads Ink Rookies Matt Stief and Kyle Marino

BOISE, Idaho – Defenseman Matt Stief and Forward Kyle Marino have agreed to terms with the Idaho Steelheads for the 2020-21 season, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Everett Sheen announced Thursday.

Stief, 24, played in four seasons with Canisius College and was named an Alternate Captain during his senior campaign. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound defenseman tallied 5 goals and 55 assists for 60 points during his collegiate career.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to come out and start my career in Idaho,” said Stief. The Boca Raton, Florida native was slated to begin his professional career in Idaho during the tail-end of the 2019-20 season; however, due to the season being cut short, was unable to make his debut. “Unfortunately last season ended short and I wasn’t able get any games in, but everything I have heard about the team and city has me looking forward to start the season and being able to contribute to the team’s success.”

“Matt actually landed in Rapid City and met the team that week the season was postponed,” said Steelheads Head Coach Everett Sheen. “He was set to make his debut the following day and we were excited to see what he could do for us. As tough as it was to have to tell him the season was over, we are pleased to have him join us this year. He is a mobile, puck-moving defenseman that is good with his stick and has the offensive instincts to chip in up front. We look forward to having his skill in the lineup every night.”

Marino, 25, is a University of Alaska-Fairbanks Alum and posted 9 goals and 18 assists for 27 points. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound forward was named an Alternate Captain during his final two years at the collegiate level.

“I am so excited to be able to start my pro career in Idaho” said Marino. “I have heard nothing but great things about the team, staff, and city. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and getting things rolling.”

“Kyle was also set to make his debut that weekend in Rapid City,” said Sheen. “He had actually flown all the way from Fairbanks, Alaska and was just about to board a flight from Denver when I had to reach out to him to let him know we had rebooked him all the way home to Ontario. He brings a big, heavy power forward presence to our core that we are excited about. Kyle is a big body that can skate and move the puck. He finishes his checks hard and goes to the dirty areas. I believe he is going to have a better pro career than his already stellar college career.”

The 2020-21 Steelheads roster is now up to eight players including defenseman Evan Wardley, Jeff King and Matt Stief as well as forwards A.J. White, Zach Walker, Will Merchant, Colby McCauley, and Kyle Marino. Future announcements and signings will be announced throughout the offseason.

Season tickets for the 2020-21 season are now available! Call the Steelheads Front Office at 208-383-0080 to plan your seats for next season. Stay connected to the Steelheads throughout the summer on idahosteelheads.com or by following the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.