Steelheads ready for home opener: ‘It’s fun to get back in front of our crowd’

Whether you’re a fourth-year head coach or a third-year pro, there’s always something special about playing the first hockey game of the season in front of your loyal fans.

It’s that time of year again for the Idaho Steelheads, who will face the Utah Grizzlies at 7:10 p.m. Friday at CenturyLink Arena.

“It’s a point of pride for me, to get in front of our fans,” said Neil Graham, who is beginning his fourth campaign as Idaho’s head coach. “As I recruit during the summer I tell people how much I love this city, how great our fans are, how welcoming this community is. … So it’s just fun to get back in front of our crowd.”

Forward Connor Chatham is in his third season wearing a Steelheads uniform. He’s already been able to size up his new teammates, as Idaho (1-1-1) opened the 2018-19 season with games in Wichita and Tulsa.

“We started the season with a road trip, which is good … because you have no choice but to bond with your teammates immediately,” Chatham said. “But there’s nothing better than coming home and playing in front of your home fans.”

Chatham, a third-round draft pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2014, said this year’s version of the Steelheads skews on the younger side, but he likes what he’s seen.

“Our young guys will be excited and there will be a lot of energy,” Chatham said of the home opener. “I’m excited to see how they respond. Once the puck drops we’ve got a group that likes to compete.”

In addition to Chatham, Idaho returns a handful of second-year forwards and defensemen. But as usual in the ECHL, there will be a lot of new faces.

Graham said two young forwards might catch fans’ eyes the first time they take the ice.

“Brad McClure and Spencer Naas — they’re both rookies and they’re both dynamic,” Graham said. “McClure has three points and two goals already, and Naas has one goal, but he’s had a lot of chances. Those guys are exciting to see buzz around.”

Graham said another player to watch is Joe Pendenza, who is expected to make his debut in a Steelheads uniform. He has played more than 200 games in the AHL.

For the time being, Idaho is carrying three goalies on its roster: Philippe Desrosiers (assigned by the Dallas Stars), Ryan Faragher and Tomas Sholl.

Graham declined to say which of those goalies will get the start Friday, but he said the action in front of that goalie should be fast and furious.

“We’ve got a young crew,” Graham said. “Don’t turn your back on the play, because you never know what’s going to happen. It’s a little more open than you’re used to seeing, but you don’t want to restrict that offensive creativity and speed.”

Chatham, for one, can’t wait for his young teammates to experience their first regular season game in Boise.

“You can’t ask for much better than playing at CenturyLink on a Friday and Saturday night,” he said. “You’ve got to protect the home ice, and that’s something I take pride in.”

HOME-OPENING WEEKEND

What: Utah (2-0-0) at Idaho (1-1-1)

When: 7:10 p.m. Friday and Saturday (Oct. 18,19)

Where: CenturyLink Arena

Radio/TV: KTIK 1350 AM/CableOne channel 72

Tickets: Available at the CenturyLink Arena box office, by calling 208-331-8497 or visiting IdahoSteelheads.com.

Promotion nights and giveaways:

October 19: Schedule Magnets

December 1: Teddy Bear Toss (USMC Steelheads Booster Club)

December 7: Military Appreciation Night

December 15: Nickelodeon Night (Featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)

This story was originally published October 18, 2018 at 5:08 PM.