Steelheads: Hay, two others heading to Europe

It may be the middle of June, but Idaho Steelheads fans can already count on this: Their favorite ECHL team will look considerably different when the team hits the ice in October.

Darrell Hay, a veteran defenseman, has signed to play in the Norwegian Elite League next season. That's a significant move: Hay is a three-time ECHL all-star who has played in more games (320) since Idaho has joined the ECHL than any other Steelhead. He is also second on the team in assists (154) in that period.

"I made a decision, and it was a tough one to make," Hay said. "It was tough to say I'm not coming back, but this seemed like the best option for me."

Players leaving Idaho can typically make more money overseas, and Hay said that was a factor.

"It gives me a chance to make some money and see the world," he said.

Still, after his travels he will return to Boise, where he owns a home.

"Some of my best memories have been in Boise," he said. "It's home now."

Two other players who have made major contributions for the Steelheads - forwards Bryan McGregor and Mark Bomersback - have also signed with teams overseas.

"With the number of players going to Europe, we're definitely in a rebuilding process," Steelheads coach Derek Laxdal said.

And while his roster is like a revolving door, it appears Laxdal is staying put. He was a candidate for the coaching position with the Texas Stars of the AHL, a new franchise in the Dallas Stars organization.

Idaho is affiliated with the Stars, so outsiders might have assumed that Laxdal would be a lock for the job, but instead Glen Gulutzan was hired. Gulutzan spent the last six seasons as the coach of the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL.

"I was on the short list for the job," Laxdal said. "But things change from day to day. I used to coach against Glen Gulutzan, but now we'll be working together."

Also, the Steelheads announced the signings of forward Matt McKnight and defenseman Weston Tardy on Tuesday. McKnight, 25, played 62 games with Idaho last season, tallying 33 points. Tardy, 5-foot-11, 185-pounds, played at Colorado College before making his debut with Augusta of the ECHL during the 2006-07 season. He played the past two seasons in Sweden.