Steelheads Take Step Forward, but Playoff Exit Leaves Questions

The 2025–26 season for the Idaho Steelheads was, in many ways, a step back into relevance and a reminder of how thin the line is between progress and disappointment.

After missing the postseason the year prior, Idaho returned with purpose. From opening night through the final weeks of the regular season, the Steelheads looked like a team determined to reestablish itself in the Mountain Division conversation.

And they did just that.

Idaho finished the year with a strong 40–21–7 record, powered by balanced scoring and a system that emphasized structure without sacrificing offensive creativity. Night after night, contributions came from throughout the lineup. It wasn’t just one star carrying the load, it was a collective effort.

Players like Kaleb Pearson and Liam Malmquist helped drive the offense, while depth pieces such as Francesco Arcuri and Ty Pelton-Byce ensured the Steelheads remained difficult to match up against. When one line cooled off, another found a way to produce.

That balance became Idaho’s identity.

Defensively, the Steelheads were steady. They didn’t always dominate games, but they rarely beat themselves. Their ability to limit damage and stay within striking distance allowed them to grind out wins—even on nights when the offense wasn’t firing at full capacity.

By the time the regular season closed, Idaho had done enough to secure a playoff spot, an important benchmark for a team looking to turn the page.

The postseason has a way of rewriting narratives.

Photo Credit: Idaho Steelheads

A Familiar Opponent, An Unexpected Turn

Heading into the opening round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, the matchup seemed favorable on paper.

The Allen Americans were a team Idaho had handled consistently during the regular season, going 6-0-0-1 in the season series. Confidence wasn’t just expected, it was justified.

Then the puck dropped.

Game 1 quickly shifted the tone, as Allen took control early and handed Idaho a decisive loss. Game 2 followed a similar script, with the Steelheads unable to find their rhythm offensively. Suddenly, a matchup that once looked manageable had become a problem.

By the time Game 3 reached overtime, Idaho had an opportunity to reset the series—or fall into a near-insurmountable hole.