The Idaho Steelheads already clinched the ECHL regular-season title weeks ago, but now they’ve made league history as well. In a 4-1 win over the Rapid City Rush Friday night, the Steelheads set a new ECHL record for wins and points in a single season.

The Steelheads, celebrating 25 years as a pro hockey franchise this season, collected their 57th win of the year and now sit at 117 points in the standings. They broke the record previously held by the Louisiana IceGators, which won 56 games and had 116 points in 2001-02. 

Idaho currently sits 14 points clear of the Cincinnati Cyclones, which is the next closest team in the standings to the Steelheads and the only other ECHL club with more than 100 points in the standings. The Steelheads were so far out in front that the team was able to be presented the Brabham Cup as regular-season champions on their home ice two weeks ago. 

And that does it!!!! With win #57 tonight and 117 points on the season we've set some more @ECHL records 😏😏😏 pic.twitter.com/z1RAVIa8WS

— XYZ - Idaho Steelheads (@Steelheads) April 15, 2023

The record win did not come easy as the scoreline might suggest.

Friday night’s contest was tense deep into the second period as the Rapid City Rush remain in a battle for a playoff spot. The first goal did not come until the 18:51 mark of the middle frame when All-ECHL defenseman Owen Headrick wired a shot past Rapid City goalie Daniil Chechelev to make it 1-0.

The Steelheads broke the game open with goals 1:27 apart early in the third period as both Justin Misiak and Jade Miller found the scoresheet, allowing Idaho to breathe easier as they knew the record was near.

Rapid City did manage to cut the deficit briefly, but Idaho added more insurance midway through the third period to stay well ahead of the Rush and skate off the ice as new ECHL record holders.

Idaho will have one more game to extend their record Saturday night in Rapid City before turning their attention to the playoffs. The Steelheads will be seeking their third Kelly Cup title in franchise history when the postseason begins. 

Idaho is the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Dallas Stars and AHL’s Texas Stars.