Boise Goes Pro

As the city of Boise continues to grow residents are noticing that Boise State athletics are no longer the only sporting events in town.

 Although Boise has no team from any of the major sports such as the NBA, NFL or MLB, they do have the next best thing.
In the Treasure Valley minor league teams from the NHL, NBA and MLB can be found.

In the Spring Boise introduced Arena Football, one of America’s fastest growing and most popular sports, to the Qwest Arena, Idaho is also home to the Idaho Stampede who compete in the NBA Development League, as well as the Idaho Steelheads who are an affiliate team of the NHL’s
Dallas Stars. 

The Boise Hawks are the Treasure Valley’s most popular baseball team, and finally the Boise Burn are the Arena Football 2 League’s newest expansion team.

The Hawks garner most of the spotlight during the summer months – playing from June into September.

The Burn provide a transition from winter sports to baseball season, while the Stampede and Steelheads fight for rental space in Qwest Arena throughout the winter months.

All of these teams have enjoyed success so far in 2007 and, like the Boise State Broncos, have helped put Boise on the map.

Boise Burn – Quick Facts

Head Coach – Lee Leslie – 1st season

38 year of playing and coaching experience

Arena Football League 2 Expansion Team – 1st season
30 Team League

Where they play: Qwest Arena

Former Boise State Broncos: QB Bart Hendricks and WR Lee Marks

Boise Hawks – Quick Facts

Manager – Tom Beyers

Named 2004 NWL Manager of the Year

Affiliate team of the Chicago Cubs

11 division titles
6 Northwest League Championships

Where they play: Memorial Stadium

Idaho Steelheads – Quick Facts

Head Coach – Derek Laxdal – 3rd season

2007 Kelly Cup Champions (Also won Cup in 2004)
Goalie Steve Silverthorne named 2007 Kelly Cup MVP

10 seasons in Boise

Where they play: Qwest Arena
Affiliate Teams: Dallas Stars and Iowa Stars
2006-2007 record: 42-24 (Second in West Conference)

Idaho Stampede – Quick Facts

Head Coach – Bryan Gates – 2nd season

Named 2006-07 NBADL Coach of the Year

Affiliate Teams: Utah Jazz and Seattle Super Sonics
9 seasons in Boise
2006 record: 33-17 (Best record in D-League)
Lost in conference finals in 2007 D-League playoffs

Idaho reached the playoffs in its first two seasons and the championship in 2003-04.

TATE CASTLETON
Assistant Sports Editor

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