Steelheads add veteran blueliner, 2-time Kelly Cup champion to 2025-26 roster

The Idaho Steelheads, proud ECHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars, announced today the signing of a veteran defenseman with a deep résumé of playoff experience and leadership.

Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Everett Sheen confirmed the move, which brings in a 31-year-old blueliner who's already captured the Kelly Cup twice, first in 2017 with the Colorado Eagles and again in 2019 with the Newfoundland Growlers.

Over six seasons in the ECHL, the left-shot defender has played for Indy, Colorado, Orlando, Newfoundland, and Greenville, tallying 94 points in 234 regular season games and adding 15 points in 44 postseason appearances.

His best individual year came during the 2020-21 season when he was named to the ECHL First All-Star Team, finishing fourth in scoring among league defensemen with 44 points, including 41 assists, over 67 games for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.

Beyond his success in the ECHL, the Alberta native also brings five seasons of AHL experience, most recently suiting up for the Calgary Wranglers during the 2023-24 season.

He appeared in 14 games, recording three assists, and has a total of 85 AHL games under his belt with Calgary, Toronto, San Antonio, and Rockford.

Before turning pro, he played three seasons at Ohio State University, where he recorded 32 points in 97 games and served as an alternate captain during his final season in 2014-15.

He was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2011 NHL Draft.

The full signing announcement is available on the Steelheads website.

The Steelheads begin their 27th season on October 17 in Tahoe and will host their home opener on October 24 against the Utah Grizzlies.