On Thursday August 12th, the Idaho Steelheads announced the signing of Canadian left-winger Kenton Helgesen. The two sides agreed to terms on a standard player contract for the upcoming season.
Helgesen, a left-handed shooter who stands at 6’3, 194 pounds, joins the Idaho Steelheads after playing four games last season while on loan from the SPHL. This of course being just prior to the season’s conclusion due to COVID-19.
In a statement from head coach Everett Sheen, he said of the team’s latest signing via press release, “Helgy was only with us a short time last season but made a great impression. He’s a player who has been in this league and knows what it’s all about. He can play both forward and D and is a big addition to our team.”
Helgesen made his ECHL debut with the Utah Grizzlies in 2015. Since then, he’s played 120 games over four seasons spanned between three other teams. This includes the Indy Fuel, Orlando Solar Bears and Norfolk Admirals. During this time, Helgesen has racked up 11 goals and 28 assists.
Prior to his ECHL debut, Helgesen spent four seasons in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen. While playing for the Hitmen, Helgesen played 266 games, scoring 34 goals along with 96 assists. This made for a total of 130 points.
A draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks back in 2012, Helgesen also added a rating of +77 and 297 penalty minutes. In addition to his numbers, while in Calgary, Helgesen, in 2013-14, was named by the hockey club as alternate captain. Later, in 2014-15, he was handed captaincy in his final season.
Speaking of returning to Idaho, Helgesen said upon signing his contract, “I couldn’t be more excited to re-sign in Idaho. It’s a first class organization with the best fans in the league!”
Helgesen, from Fairview, AB, is collectively the ninth player to sign a contract for next season. In doing so, he joins a pair of defensemen in Evan Wardley, Jeff King and Matt Stief. He’s also joined by the team’s forwards, being Colby McAuley, A.J. White, Kyle Marino, Will Merchant and Zach Walker.