The Idaho Steelheads have announced that they have signed 6’2″ defenseman Sam Jardine for the 2025-26 season. The Lacombe, Alberta native brings championship experience, international play, and a strong two-way game to Idaho’s blue line.
From Ohio State to the Pros
Jardine played three seasons of Division I hockey at The Ohio State University from 2012 to 2015. In 97 NCAA games, he recorded three goals and 29 assists for 32 points, along with 118 penalty minutes and a combined +1 rating. His steady play with the Buckeyes laid the foundation for his professional career.
He turned pro in 2015-16, splitting time between the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs and the ECHL’s Indy Fuel. Since then, Jardine has built a career marked by versatility, moving between the AHL and ECHL while earning a reputation as a reliable, physical defenseman.
AHL, ECHL, and Championship Success
In the AHL, Jardine has played for the Rockford IceHogs, San Antonio Rampage, Toronto Marlies, and Calgary Wranglers, posting four goals and 12 assists for 16 points in 85 games.
His ECHL career includes stops with the Indy Fuel, Colorado Eagles, Orlando Solar Bears, Newfoundland Growlers, and Greenville Swamp Rabbits. In 234 regular-season ECHL games, Jardine has registered 13 goals and 81 assists for 94 points, along with 242 penalty minutes and a +5 rating. He’s also a two-time Kelly Cup Champion, winning with Colorado in 2016-17 and Newfoundland in 2018-19.
International and Recent Play
Jardine also spent time overseas, playing in the EIHL with the Cardiff Devils, the ICEHL with the Bratislava Capitals, and Finland’s Liiga with HIFK. Across 113 games internationally, he posted 12 goals and 26 assists for 38 points, with a +31 rating.
In 2024-25, Jardine returned home to skate with the Lacombe Generals in the NCHL-AB, recording three goals and 17 assists in 15 games, plus another 11 points in the playoffs. He was named NCHL-AB Best Defenseman and earned a spot on the league’s First All-Star Team.
What He Brings to Idaho
Jardine’s combination of shutdown defense, leadership, and offensive upside makes him a strong fit for the Steelheads as they reload for 2025-26. His experience in championship runs and international leagues should help stabilize the blue line and guide the younger players on the roster.
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