ECHL: Idaho Steelheads and Dallas Stars Extend Affiliation

The NHL’s Dallas Stars have been affiliated with the Steelheads since 2005. Initially signing with the franchise in 2003, the Steelheads would join the now-defunct NHL Phoenix Coyotes for the 2004-05 season. During the offseason, the Idaho-based team would rejoin the Dallas club. The partnership between these two teams has evolved over the years. It included the AHL Utah Grizzlies from 2003 to 2005. In 2005, the Steelheads would gain an affiliation with the Iowa Stars. In 2008, the Iowa Stars underwent a rebrand, and the team moved to Texas, marking a significant shift in the Steelheads’ affiliations. 

Enter the Texas Stars. Once the arena was built in Cedar Park, Texas, the Texas Stars would become the Steelheads’ new AHL affiliate. The Iowa Stars would return as the Iowa Chops, then relocate to Texas and join the Stars. Since 1996, the Steelheads have always been in Idaho. Originally part of the now-defunct West Coast Hockey League, the Steelheads would join the ECHL in 2003. Winning the Kelly Cup Championship in 2004 and 2007, the team has a strong history. This season, the Steelhead held a 37-35 record, and for the second time in their history, they did not qualify for the playoffs, leaving fans eager for their next season.