Harsch Re-Signs with Steelheads

The Idaho Steelheads will see a familiar face on their blueline this coming season, re-signing defenseman Reece Harsch to an ECHL contract for 2024-25.

The 25-year-old Harsch is entering his third professional season, second with Idaho, after being acquired from the Jacksonville Icemen last March in exchange for Lincoln Erne.

The 6-foot-4, 201-pound Grand Prairie, MB native finished last season with a goal and an assist in four regular-season games with the Steelheads. He also appeared in eight Kelly Cup Playoff games, recording three points (1-2-3).

Harsch began the 2023-24 season playing overseas in the EIHL with the Fife Flyers, potting a goal in 10 games before signing with the Cincinnati Cyclones on December 10.

In 25 games with the Cyclones, Harsch posted five points (2-3-5) before being traded to Jacksonville on February 13. He appeared in eight games with the Icemen, scoring a goal and an assist.

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Harsch made his pro hockey debut in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks in February 2022, playing in five games before finishing that season in the ECHL with Toledo. He put up three assists in seven games with the Walleye.

In 2022-23, Harsch appeared in 50 games for Fife, tallying 14 points (3-11-14).

Prior to turning pro, Harsch spent one season at the University of Manitoba (USports) and scored 12 points (2-10-12) in 15 games. He played parts of five seasons of junior hockey in the WHL from 2016-20, splitting time with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Saskatoon Blades and Winnipeg Ice, collecting 83 points (20-63-83) in 240 career games. In 2017, he helped the Thunderbirds to the WHL Championship.

The Steelheads kick off the 2024-25 season at Idaho Central Arena October 18 against the Utah Grizzlies.