ECHL: Idaho Steelheads and Dallas Stars Extend Affiliation

Idaho Steelheads/ECHL

The Idaho Steelheads have extended their affiliation with the Stars franchises, a move that holds significant implications for both teams. The two-year extension covers the Dallas and the Texas Stars, ensuring a continued partnership. This extension continues one of the longest club affiliations in ECHL history, a testament to the strong relationship between the two teams and the benefits it brings to both parties. 

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. 

ITR 46: Offseason Chaos Inside The Rink

Join Chris & Conrad as they get you up-to-date on NHL Free Agency and the trade bonanza!
  1. ITR 46: Offseason Chaos
  2. ITR 45: Everything Is Happening
  3. ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again
  4. ITR 43: It's Winning Time
  5. ITR 42: Ripe For Repeat?

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Stephanie DeLaFleur

Beat Writer covering the ECHL, AHL and NHL. Follow me on X @StephiDelafleur

Leave a Reply

AHL: Hershey Bears Announce 2025-26 Schedule

AHL: Hershey Bears Announce 2025-26 Schedule

AHL: Hershey Bears Announce 2025-26 Schedule

Read More

ECHL: Toledo Walleye Re-Sign Conlan Keenan for Fifth Season

The Toledo Walleye have made another key move this week, following a round of qualifying offers and the recent re-signing of forward Sam Craggs. Conlan Keenan is officially returning to the Walleye for his fifth season with the team. A Familiar Face with a Rochester Connection A native of Rochester, New York, Keenan has become […]

Read More
AHL: Long Tenured Bridgeport Goalie Signs With San Jose

AHL: Long Tenured Bridgeport Goalie Signs With San Jose

The San Jose Sharks today signed a long-tenured Bridgeport goalie who seemed like he was heading overseas but returns back to North America for the 2025-26 season.

Read More