Hank Crone, who captured an ECHL MVP award with the Allen Americans in 2022-23, is coming to Boise.
Hank Crone, who captured an ECHL MVP award with the Allen Americans in 2022-23, is coming to Boise.
The Idaho Steelheads have added a former league MVP to their roster. The club has announced the signing of forward Hank Crone to an ECHL contract for the 2024-25 season.
The 26-year-old Crone is entering his third professional season after spending the past two primarily with the Allen Americans. He was named ECHL MVP during the 2022-23 season after leading the league in points (105) and goals(49) in 69 games.
Crone became the first rookie to lead the ECHL in scoring since 2011-12. He was also named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year and First All-Star Team.
In 2023-24, the 5-foot-9, 160-pound forward was under contract with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL, where he recorded one assist in three games. He also played in 40 games with the Americans, registering 55 points (17-38-55).
In parts of two ECHL seasons, Crone has scored 160 points (66-94-160) in 196 regular-season games and 11 points (2-9-11) in 16 Kelly Cup Playoff contests.
During the 2022-23 season, Crone led all ECHL skaters in power-play points (39) and finished third with 16 power-play goals. Last season, he had the league's longest points streak with 18 games and 31 points, as well as the second-longest goal streak (seven games, eight goals).
Crone, a Dallas native, played four seasons of collegiate hockey at Boston University (2017-18), University of Denver (2019-21) and Northern Michigan University (2021-22). In that span, he tallied 81 points (26-55-81) in 111 games. Crone helped Boston University to the Hockey East Championship during his one season there.
The Steelheads kick off the 2024-25 campaign at Idaho Central Arena in Boise October 18 against the Utah Grizzlies.