BOISE, ID – The Idaho Steelheads (@Steelheads), proud ECHL (@ECHL) affiliate of the Dallas Stars (@DallasStars), kicked off the regular season with a three-game series sweep of the New Mexico Goatheads

THIS WEEK’S GAMES 

• Friday, October 23 vs. Allen | 7:10 p.m. MT – Home Opener
• Saturday, October 24 vs. Allen | 7:10 p.m. MT

LAST WEEK’S GAMES

Friday, October 16

Idaho 4 – New Mexico 1

Full Recap 

Box Score

The regular season started with a bang for Idaho with a 4-1 win over New Mexico in the Goatheads’ inaugural game. The Steelheads struck first late in the opening frame on a goal by Angus MacDonell, growing their lead to 3-0 in the second period with two quick goals from Liam Malmquist and Jaxon Fuder, who scored his first in the ECHL with the play. After the Goatheads got on the board in the third on a goal by Cameron Buhl, the Steelheads tightened back up defensively and sealed the game with an empty net tally from Mason Nevers to take a 4-1 win in their first game of the year.

Saturday, October 17

Idaho 4 – New Mexico 3 (OT)

Full Recap 

Box Score

Idaho followed up Friday’s win with a dramatic OT triumph on Saturday to remain undefeated on the weekend. The Steelheads once again jumped out to a lead in the game, getting an early power play goal from Kale Howarth and another strike from Angus MacDonell late in the second period to carry a two-goal edge into the third period. This time, New Mexico found its quick strike offense, scoring twice early in the frame to even the score. After Liam Malmquist put the Steelheads back in front with eight minutes left, the resilient Goatheads forced overtime on a goal with one second remaining in regulation. 

Despite the late tally, Idaho bounced back. After Anson Thornton preserved the game with a terrific glove save in overtime, Malmquist struck again for the OT winner to give Idaho the full two points

Sunday, October 18

Idaho 5 – New Mexico 2

Full Recap 

Box Score

On Sunday, the Steelheads just kept on rolling. Even though they gave up the first goal of the contest to fall behind 1-0 after 20 minutes, the offense soon returned. Ty Pelton-Byce and Mason Nevers each struck in the second to deliver a 2-1 lead to Idaho heading into the third, and the Steelheads found three more scores in the final frame to eventually coast to a 5-2 win and complete the series sweep.

2026-27 MOUNTAIN DIVISION STANDINGS
1. Idaho Steelheads (3 GP, 3-0-0-0, 6 pts, 1.000%)
2. Rapid City Rush (2 GP, 2-0-0-0, 4 pts, 1.000%)
3. Wichita Thunder (2 GP, 2-0-0-0, 4 pts, 1.000%)
4. Tulsa Oilers (1 GP, 1-0-0-0, 2 pts, 1.000%)
5. Tahoe Knight Monsters (2 GP, 0-1-1-0, 1 pts, .250%)
6. New Mexico Goatheads (3 GP, 0-2-1-0, 1 pt, .167%)
7. Allen Americans (1 GP, 0-1-0-0, 0 pts, 0.000%)
8. Kansas City Mavericks (2 GP, 0-2-0-0, 0 pts, 0.000%)

SHINING STEELHEADS

• Liam Malmquist has five points (3G,2A) in three games to start the season.
• Rookie Jaxon Fuder scored a goal in his ECHL debut on Friday and has four points (2G, 2A) in three games to start the season.
• Mason Nevers (2G, 2A) and Kale Howarth (1G, 3A) each have four points in three games.
• Jade Miller (2G, 1A), Angus MacDonell (2G, 1A), Ty Pelton-Byce (1G, 2A), and Dylan Gratton (0G, 3A) each have three points after opening weekend.

TEAM NOTES

BROOMS OUT
The Steelheads collected a 5-2 win in their series finale against the New Mexico Goathead on Sunday to complete a sweep of New Mexico to kick off the regular season. After falling behind for the first time all series, the Steelheads scored five of the game’s final six goals to coast to a victory in the series finale. Idaho outscored New Mexico 13-6 over the weekend, clicking on the power play at 41.6% (5/12), and operating on the penalty kill at 81.6% (9/11).

POINTS ON POINTS ON POINTS
The Steelheads’ offense was firing on full cylinders over the weekend against New Mexico, with thirteen goals in three games. Leading the way for Idaho was Liam Malmquist, who grabbed five points in three games. Rookie Jaxon Fuder and Mason Nevers each posted four points, while Jade Miller, Angus MacDonell, Ty Pelton-Byce, and Dylan Gratton picked up three points apiece. All-in-all, 13 Steelheads found themselves on the scoresheet during opening weekend, looking to carry things over to the first home weekend against Allen.

DYNAMIC DUO IN NET
The Steelheads’ goaltending duo of Jake Barczewski and Anson Thornton did their part in Idaho’s wins as well, allowing on average just two goals per game over the opening series against New Mexico. Barczewski picked up two wins over the weekend, allowing just three goals combined on Friday and Sunday, while Thornton collected the OT win on Saturday, getting even better as the game progressed and making key saves in the third period and overtime to aid Idaho’s winning effort.

 TRENDS

• The Steelheads outscored New Mexico 13-6 over opening weekend.
• The Steelheads power play sits 2^nd in the ECHL this week, clicking at 41.6% (5/12).
• Idaho outscored New Mexico 5-0 in the second period over opening weekend.
• The Steelheads averaged 33.67 shots per game over opening weekend.

ACTIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS

Goals: Liam Malmquist (3)
Assists: Dylan Gratton & Kale Howarth (3)
Points: Liam Malmquist (5)
Plus/Minus: Jade Miller (+3)
PIMs: Niilopekka Muhonen (9)
PPGs: Liam Malmquist (2) 
GWGs: Liam Malmquist (2) 
Shots: Liam Malmquist (15)
Wins: Jake Barczewski (2)
GAA: Jake Barczewski (1.50)
SV%: Jake Barczewski (.947) 

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