Steelheads Capture Brabham Cup for Second Time In Franchise History
BOISE, ID – The Idaho Steelheads (53-10-1-2, 109pts) captured the ECHL’s regular season title for the first time since 2009-10 defeating the Kansas City Mavericks (30-28-6-2, 68pts) by a final score of 1-0Saturday night at the Idaho Central Arena in front of 5,142 fans. It was the 32nd sellout in the 34th home game including the 31st straight. Idaho will host the Utah Grizzlies next Wednesday and Friday for the final two home games of the season with puck drop at 7:10 p.m.
Adam Scheel made 36 saves for his league leading fifth shutout of the season, his second of the week. He has now won 15 of his last 17 games dating back to January 28. The Steelheads set a franchise record with their 53rd win of the year and tied the most wins on home ice in a single season in league history improving to (30-4) at home.
The Steelheads led 1-0 after the opening 20 minutes of play as Willie Knierim (16th) capitalized on the far side off the crease with Justin Ducharme and Owen Headrick collecting assists. Idaho outshot Kansas City 16-10 in the first period.
A scoreless second period featured seven shots for each team as Idaho had two power-play opportunities but were unable to convert.
Adam Scheel kicked aside all 18 shots he faced in period three picking up a 36 save shutout for his second of the week and his league leading fifth of the season. Shane Starrett made 26 saves on 27 shots in the loss.
ICCU THREE STARS
- Adam Scheel (36 saves)
- Willie Knierim (1-0-1)
- Owen Headrick (0-1-1)
GAME NOTES
- Idaho finished 0-for-3 on the power-play while Kansas City was 0-for-2.
- Kansas City outshot IDaho 36-27.
- Idaho is 23-7-2 all-time vs. Kansas City and 14-2-0-0 in Boise, ID at the Idaho Central Arena. The Steelheads finish the head-to-head series 6-2-0-0 against the Mavericks this season.
- Nick Canade (DNP), Casey Johnson (DNP), Zane Franklin, Colton Kehler (IR), and Janis Svanenbergs (IR), did not dress for Idaho.
- With 6 games remaining Idaho needs four wins to set the league record for most wins in a season.
- With 12 available points Idaho needs 8 points to set the most points in a single season in league history.
Stay up to date with all things Steelheads on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Watch all Steelheads home games on FloHockey and Sparklight Channel 72 and listen on the Steelheads flagship station, 95.3 FM KTIK “The Ticket”.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers