In the most obvious press release you've seen yet in 2023, the Dallas Stars announced this morning that they are extending their ECHL affiliation with Idaho for another two seasons. The two clubs, which have been affiliated since 2005 continuously with an additional season in 2003-04, will be partnered up until 2025 now.
In the time that the two clubs have been affiliated, Idaho has won two Kelly Cups, made it to the Finals an additional two times and missed the playoffs just once. Idaho has nurtured talent for Texas on and off the ice as current head coach of the Texas Stars, Neil Graham, got his coaching start with the Steelheads.
Here's the release:
The Dallas Stars announced today that the club will renew its affiliation with the ECHL's Idaho Steelheads through the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
The Steelheads have served as Dallas' ECHL affiliate since the 2005-06 season, and prior to that, during the 2003-04 campaign. Idaho has reached the Kelly Cup Finals four times as an affiliate of the Dallas Stars and has won the Kelly Cup twice (2004 and 2007). In the 2022-23 season, the Steelheads set new ECHL records with 58 wins and 119 points, winning the Brabham Cup for the second time in team history as the club with the most points in the regular season. Following their historic regular season, the Steelheads advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals where they fell to the Florida Everblades in a best-of-seven series.
"The Steelheads' commitment to the development of their players is reflected in their exceptional performance on the ice," said Dallas Stars Assistant General Manager and Texas Stars General Manager Scott White. "We are very pleased to extend our partnership with them for the next two seasons."
The Texas Stars will continue to operate as Dallas' development affiliate in the American Hockey League.
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