Canade Returns to Steelheads for a Third Season

When you feel at home, why leave?

That's the sentiment of Idaho Steelheads forward/defenseman Nicholas Canade, who has re-signed with the club for a third season in 2024-25.

The 24-year-old Canade is entering his fourth professional season and third in Idaho. In 2023-24, he totaled 18 points (6-12-18) in 62 games while leading the club in penalty minutes (109), along with seven fighting majors. In eight Kelly Cup Playoff games, Canade recorded a goal and an assist.

In two seasons with the Steelheads, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound left-handed shooter has shown great versatility by playing a mix of forward and defense. He's also not afraid to get physical. In 108 contests, he's tallied 33 points (10-23-33), 168 penalty minutes and 10 fighting majors. He's also contributed six points (1-5-6) in 18 career Kelly Cup Playoff appearances.

A native of Mississauga, ON, Canade started his pro hockey career in Finland with RoKi (Metsis) during the 2021-22 season, scoring 19 points (3-16-19) in 49 contests.

Related: Steelheads Nab ECHL MVP for Upcoming Season

Before turning pro, Canade played three seasons in the OHL for the Mississauga Steelheads from 2017-20. He collected 76 points (29-47-76) in 177 games. He served as an assistant captain his final two seasons there and was also awarded the OHL's Dan Snyder Trophy as the league's Humanitarian of the Year.

There's another reason Canade's return to Idaho for a third season makes sense: he wears the jersey number 3.