One of the longest-running affiliation partnerships in the ECHL will continue for another two years.

The Idaho Steelheads, in conjunction with the Dallas Stars and Texas Stars, have announced the signing of a two-year affiliation agreement extension, continuing one of the longest partnerships between a National Hockey League and ECHL club through the conclusion of the 2026-27 season.

The Steelheads have served as the ECHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars since 2005-06 as well as during the 2003-04 season.

Since their partnership began, the Steelheads have won two Kelly Cup Championships (2004, 2007) and played in four Kelly Cup Finals (2004, 2007, 2010, 2023).

The Steelheads and Stars partnership is the third-longest current continuous affiliation in the ECHL.

Eleven former Steelheads have played with the Stars including; Richard Bachman (2009-10), Landon Bow (2016-17), Matt Climie (2008-09), Dan Ellis (2003-04), B.J. Crombeen (2005-07), Justin Dowling (2012-13), Aaron Gagnon (2007-08), Gavin Morgan (1999-2000), Tom Wandell (2007-08), Francis Wathier (2006-07), and Gemel Smith.

Additionally, two former head coaches have moved up in the Dallas Stars organization. Derek Laxdal (2005-10) served as the head coach for the Texas Stars, the American Hockey League affiliate for Dallas, for six seasons before being promoted to Dallas during the 2019-20 season.

Neil Graham (2012-19) was appointed head coach of the Texas Stars during the 2019-20 campaign.

This off-season looks to be a busy one for the Dallas Stars. They fired head coach Pete DeBoer following their exit from the Western Conference Finals loss to the Edmonton Oilers, and traded forward Mason Marchment to the Seattle Kraken Thursday. Some things will remain consistent, however, including their ECHL affiliation with the Steelheads, a relationship that has been beneficial for both sides.

Photo Courtesy of the Idaho Steelheads